Europe’s air defence dilemma: can Franco-Italian system rival US Patriot?
New SAMP-T system on display at Paris Air Show seeks buyers amid Europe’s efforts to re-arm
New SAMP-T system on display at Paris Air Show seeks buyers amid Europe’s efforts to re-arm

France, Italy, Spain and Poland among countries requesting support from project designed to spur defence spending

Continued co-production is vital to maintain innovation and preserve the security of the EU and the US

Proposed downsizing of €100bn flagship defence project follows feuding by Airbus and Dassault

Industry executives say key aim is to secure European funding as well as contracts with governments

At the heart of the dispute is buying US weapons with EU money

US companies are seeking to use their technological expertise to benefit from rising defence spending in the region