Europe currently represents the third largest UAV market. While quite a bit of research has been funded in Europe over the past dec­ade, procurement has been very mod­est and mostly confined to modest numbers of tactical UAV systems. More ambitious programs are now underway, with most of the major armed forces acquiring more modern tactical UAV systems and beginning to acquire endurance systems compa­rable to the US Air Force Predator.

Northrop Grumman Corp. is well aligned with the national security strategy. The company’s strengths in strategic bombers, ICBMs, and unmanned aerial vehicles are critical capabilities as the US military focuses more on possible confrontation with major powers including China and Russia.

The Department of Defense released its latest round of selected acquisition reports and tucked away in their review of the biggest program in DoD history was an interesting footnote that said the F-35 is now expected to operate in US service until the year 2088. That’s 11 years later than previously expected. 

The two aerospace giants enter the post-pandemic era in very different positions. Both companies encountered sharp financial impacts from the unprecedented drop in commercial air transportation demand and the resulting decline in aircraft deliveries and new orders. It will take time for the industry to rebound and these two companies will enter the revived marketplace in different ways.

Airbus

Airbus is in an exceptionally strong position and it is embracing its position as a commercial airliner manufacturer. While the COVID pandemic has tempered its generally sustained advance, the company’s fundamentals align well with long-term market requirements.