Bavarian State Minister Dr. Florian Herrmann, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament and Head of the Bavarian State Chancellery as well as Minister for Federal Affairs and Media, visited the General Atomics AeroTec Systems (GA-ATS) site in Oberpfaffenhofen to learn more about an industry-led approach to a European unmanned combat aircraft, commonly referred to as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The Oberpfaffenhofen site is part of one of Germany’s leading aerospace environments. General Atomics AeroTec Systems contributes to this ecosystem with capabilities in aircraft development, production, system integration and maintenance. These industrial and technological capabilities provide a strong basis for key elements of a European CCA to be further developed and implemented in Germany, with Bavaria playing an important role.
Together with General Atomics Europe, the company outlined how a European CCA could be built on a flight-proven platform from the Gambit family. The industry-led approach combines European operational requirements, German industrial and integration capabilities, and transatlantic technological experience.
Bavaria offers a particularly strong framework for such an endeavor: a highly developed aerospace ecosystem, specialized suppliers, a skilled workforce and excellent research institutions. A European CCA could therefore generate significant industrial value in the region, with General Atomics acting as a key industrial contributor.
During the visit, State Minister Dr. Herrmann was shown a full-scale model of the system, illustrating potential roles and capabilities of a future European CCA.
Quotes
Harald Robl, Managing Director, General Atomics Europe
“With our flight-proven technology, we provide a solid foundation on which a European CCA can be built. Bavaria offers excellent conditions for further development and industrial implementation.”
Florian Rohe, Managing Director, General Atomics AeroTec Systems
“General Atomics AeroTec Systems represents aerospace expertise and industrial depth at the Oberpfaffenhofen site. We have the technical capabilities, infrastructure and know-how to support key development and integration steps for a European CCA. Such an initiative would strengthen the site and create high-quality jobs.”
Dr. Florian Herrmann, Bavarian State Minister
“Bavaria has an outstanding aerospace industry. Future-oriented projects such as a European CCA combine security policy relevance with industrial strength. General Atomics’ approach demonstrates the potential that exists in Bavaria for innovation, value creation and Europe’s technological sovereignty.”
Background
Modern air forces increasingly rely on networked, unmanned systems to support, protect and extend the operational reach of manned aircraft. A European Collaborative Combat Aircraft is intended to fulfil these tasks as part of a system-of-systems approach and through industry-led development.
General Atomics’ approach is based on a flight-proven platform and offers a realistic pathway toward a European solution within a manageable timeframe. Bavaria’s industrial environment provides experienced personnel, established infrastructure and proven processes that are well suited to the development and integration of a European CCA.
