Though you would expect Lockheed Martin, Saab, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and Finmeccanica to be focused on competing against each other for upcoming contracts; it would seem that they have set their differences aside in the pursuit of a greater purpose.
All five have signed a statement indicating their intent to combine knowledge, experience and resources in order to solve some of the world’s most pressing needs. Projects include the creation of sustainable alternative energy, more effective humanitarian relief and increasingly environmentally sound population landscapes.
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They statement noted:
“With decades of relevant expertise, the Aerospace, Defence and Security sector is ideally suited to address wide-ranging global challenges, whether they be security-related, environmental, technological or economic.
Our experience in providing innovation mission solutions uniquely positions us to support government and other industry sectors as they endeavour to tackle these complex challenges. We are ready, individually and collaboratively, to offer ourselves in this role.”
The statement is scheduled to be discussed at next month’s E3DS conference in London, a two-day event aiming to explore the growing opportunities industry has to address the world’s needs.
Nick Cook, CEO of Dynamixx, which is joint-organiser of E3DS with IHS, commented:
“Aerospace companies – via their traditional role as providers of defence and security solutions – have developed a profound, but largely untapped understanding of climate and weather through the spacecraft, aircraft, ships, submarines, vehicles and sensors they have built for their government customers.
“Much of the science and technology underwriting these systems is a resource that can help provide solutions for climate, weather, energy, environment, natural disaster, resource scarcity and other complex challenges.
“Indeed, these companies have already built many of the sensors, satellites and technologies that have bought us the knowledge and the weather forecasts we experience daily today.
“Our intention is to use our conference as a platform to guide governments, other industries and academia to tap into this rich resource to develop ‘cross-sector’ solutions to complex global challenges.”
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