CONFIDENTIAL
3RD DRAFT
specialised, vital to the overall success of the project, and
requires the closest working relationship between R & D Estab-
lishments, Royal Ordnance Factories, industry and the Services.
However, it is neither practicable nor economic to make the
individual Systems Establishments self-sufficient in all the
technologies required, particularly where these technologies
are common to all or several environments or relate to a variety
of likely users. They will therefore be supported by Technology
Establishments which concentrate on specific technologies and
the appropriate sub-systems (such as communications and engineering
equipment or propulsion units).
7. Proposals under consideration for the second stage of the
rationalisation programme are concerned with Establishments
engaged in marine, explosives and materials technologies. Any
changes will be the subject of consultations with the Staff and
Trades Union Sides and other interested parties before any
decisions are taken.
8.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION
The advantages of collective procurement of defence
equipment are set out in Chapter II (paragraphs 13 and 14).
The British Armed Services and industry can fairly claim to be
in the forefront of the movement towards international collab-
oration. Collaborative projects currently in development
include the Anglo-German-Italian Multi-Role Combat Aircraft;
two major artillery weapons, the SP 70 and FH 70, on which the
same three countries are collaborating;
Lynx helicopter.
and the Anglo-French
These and other co-operative ventures will
VII-3
CONFIDENTIAL