Thales UK and Elbit Systems of Israel announced the establishment of a
joint venture for the construction of UAVs. The JV to be owned equally
by both companies will operate from Thales' location at Leicester
and will be responsible for producing the UAVs for the UK and export.
Thales is already eyeing Australia, France and Sweden as prospects
for exports worth £400 million, in addition to the £800
million UK program. The ground segment of the program provides 60%
of the cost, while the aerial vehicles, payloads and investments in
infrastructure and training compose the remaining 40%.
