Airbus has launched research and development projects to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities.
The effort is among more than 60 2021 European Defence Fund (EDF) investments in research and development projects totaling 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion).
The initiatives will produce innovative technologies to increase the resiliency, interoperability, and efficiency of EU multi-domain forces on the battlefield.
Collaborative Cloud and Future Military Helicopter
According to a company announcement, Airbus Defense and Space will coordinate the European Defence Operational Collaborative Cloud (EDOCC). Airbus Helicopters will focus on the EU Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies Project (ENGRT).
Under the EDOCC, the aerospace company will create a virtual platform for collaborative services on the battlefield.
It will design, study, and assess the platform before creating a prototype services catalog with technologies and standards to enhance the interoperability, resiliency, and efficiency of military operations.
Meanwhile, the ENGRT will research the future rotorcraft requirements of EU armed forces beyond 2030.
The project will study helicopter operations concepts to determine the capabilities needed for a future tactical rotorcraft.
Additional Airbus Projects
Airbus is engaged with six other multinational EDF projects: the European Protected Waveform for SatCom, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Enhanced Cockpit, Advanced Radar Technologies, Collaborative Air Combat Standardisation, and Advanced Radio Frequency components.
According to the company, EDF plans to allocate 8 billion euros ($8.7 billion) for overall programs until 2027.
“The EDF promotes cooperation among European companies and research institutes of different sizes and geographical origin in the EU, strengthening the resiliency and strategic autonomy of Europe,” Airbus said.