AFTER THREE years of discussions, the armaments alliance formed between Thomson-CSF and Daimler Benz Aerospace (DASA) has been formalised, with group sales for the first year expected to top Fr1.2 billion ($226 million).
The merger represents another step in the deepening alliance between the French and German aerospace industries as the marriage of Aerospatiale and DASA on missiles and space comes closer. The president of the new group, Jean Monfort, makes it clear, however, that partners, from other nations will be welcome in the new armaments group.
Under the new merged structure, the German and French companies will hold equal shares in a new French-based company Thomson DASA Armament (TDA). In turn, TDA will hold the German arm, to be called Thomson DASA Wirksysteme. The two groups insisted on equality, despite the fact that around 75% of the current programmes have originated with Thomson Brandt Armament. "It is important that a joint venture can function without an over-complicated division of power," says Monfort.
Between them, the two companies have a formidable range of weaponry on offer, such as intelligent munitions and air-to-ground rockets. TDA will continue to draw on the French and German Governments for much of the order volume, although exports to a growing number of non-European clients are expected.
Source: Flight International