ArianeGroup and DLR Agree to Collaborate in Defence Technology Research

The Franco-German aerospace and defence group ArianeGroup and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Berlin on September 24 to collaborate on research into new defence technologies. The agreement covers security-relevant space technologies, in particular state-of-the-art materials and technologies, as well as space situational awareness (SSA) systems.

Pierre Godart, CEO of ArianeGroup GmbH, commented: “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with DLR into a new field. Together, ArianeGroup and DLR boast extensive expertise. This cooperation will allow us to harness this expertise in support of Europe's security needs and to advance research into innovative defence systems. In so doing, we will lay the foundations for future defence capabilities.”

Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board, added: “The changing geopolitical environment in recent years marks an unprecedented and fundamental turning point for Europe. We are fully aware of this situation and ready to adapt together with our partners. It is clear that space applications and capabilities have become absolutely vital for everyone on Earth. DLR's strong culture of cooperation, knowledge sharing and transfer with industry and public partners ensures that the technologies we develop ultimately become operational capabilities. I therefore welcome the opportunity to build on our decades of successful collaboration with ArianeGroup.”