EADS calls for transnational defence market

Date: 26/04/01

By Dennis Abbott

THE head of Europe's largest aerospace firm said this week that an end to purely national arms procurement was essential if EU forces were to have state-of-the-art and affordable equipment in future.

Philippe Camus, joint chief executive of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, called for a European defence market built on "transnational, joint armament".

He described the Eurofighter jet as a "step in the right direction" but said procurement on a European level was still the exception. The aircraft, which is being built in Germany and Spain, is due in service next year.

Camus was speaking at a reception to mark the opening of a new EADS office in Brussels, which the company sees as vital to maintain close links with the EU and NATO.

He said: "EADS is at home in Europe - and Europe is constantly increasing in significance.

"Through its economic, competition, international trade and research policies and also through increasing activities in the field of environment, transport, aviation safety and many others, the EU today establishes outline conditions for our industry - in this way the EU also influences our economic success."

The head of the EADS Brussels office will be Michel Troubetzkoy, a former French diplomat and chairman of the group of permanent representatives of the European Association of Aerospace Industries (AECMA).

The head of Europe's largest aerospace firm said that an end to purely national arms procurement was essential if EU forces were to have state-of-the-art and affordable equipment in future.