LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Defense Ministry will work with government, industry, and international partners to explore Britain's future combat air capabilities, Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson announced Wednesday to the House of Commons defense committee.
Called the combat air strategy, the initiative "will examine the operational capability needed in the future and the skills and resources required to deliver it. The work will take new and emerging technology into account, as well as export potential, whilst testing British industry's ability to deliver our future requirements," said the Defense Ministry. The strategy is expected to launch in the summer.
Williamson said: "Since the birth of airpower, British industry has been crucial to maintaining our military's world-leading position. As we celebrate 100 years of the RAF (Royal Air Force) protecting our skies, it is fitting that we create bold and ambitious plans to help our brave Armed Forces keep us safe in the face of intensifying threats. The combat air strategy will bring together the best of British engineering, skill and design, and deliver a compelling vision for the future of air power."
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, said: "This strategy will ensure that the RAF can continue to remain at the forefront of the high-end airpower technology and innovation we need to deal with future threats, working in close collaboration with UK industry and our international partners."
