The ‘Clean Sky’ research programme, aimed at paving the way for the introduction of new, radically cleaner aircraft, is mired in administrative difficulties, according to Airbus CEO, Tom Enders.
"One of the largest ever EU research programmes, Clean Sky, was designed to be an inspiring and important Public Private Partnership to reinforce the competitiveness of our sector in line with the Lisbon Strategy. But it is still struggling to get off the ground’, Enders explained.
"Severe constraints are imposed by internal European Commission regulations which are ill-adapted to this type of partnership and have continually delayed the effective start of the programme. I see the clear and present danger that the programme will fail to produce the needed results on time, and that industry will very soon be obliged to redirect its funds towards other national or company technology initiatives. Action has to be taken by the Commission now if Clean Sky is to be given a chance to deliver on its grand promises," he concluded.
Enders was speaking at a press conference organised on the occasion of the Board and Council meetings of the ASD, the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe.
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
This week on the Shephard Defence Podcast, senior naval reporter Harry Lye and military training & simulation reporter Norbert Neumann chat with Professor John Louth.
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