BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace team up on UAS opportunities
The two companies will work together to explore ways to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air systems.
The MK82-EP general purpose aircraft bomb is to equip French and German aircraft, manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on 2 December.
More than 2,000 examples have been ordered of this enhanced version of the 500lb MK82 bomb, in contracts worth more than €35 million ($42.32 million).
In the first serial production order, from French defence procurement agency DGA, the MK82-EP will arm Mirage 2000 and Rafale aircraft.
The bomb will also be the warhead of the GBU-54 Laser JDAM (LJDAM) that will be installed on German Tornados and Eurofighters.
The MK82-EP can be deployed in freefall mode or as a precision-guided munition in tandem with Paveway, Enhanced Paveway, JDAM and LJDAM or Armament Air-Sol Modulaire kits.
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The two companies will work together to explore ways to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air systems.
The potential expansion of production comes in the wake of Ukraine signing a letter of intent with Sweden for Gripen jets.
Known as Project Nyx, the flagship opportunity would look to award up to four contracts for initial development of the ACP concept demonstrator by 2026.
The new uncrewed combat aerial vehicle is built from the existing Gambit series, with a focus on deep precision strike and SEAD mission roles.
Built on a 60-year heritage of providing the Department of Defense with solutions to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.
The company also affirmed that it would maintain its current trajectory and remain “on track” for its full-year guidance.