The Relationship Between Prime Bontractors and SMEs. How to Best Manage and Fund Cooperative Programmes

Within the framework of the objective of strategic autonomy for Europe and the constitution of a European defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), the roles of prime contractors and SMEs in the arms industry are different but equally important. The objective of this paper is to describe these roles in the prime contractor/SME supply chain and propose a policy with regard to the EU funding of future European defence equipment programmes, Research and Technology programmes, Research and Development programmes, and even acquisition programmes, as currently proposed or considered by the European Commission, by way of direct EU funding or a European defence fund. This policy could be useful within the framework of the current proposals for, or reflexions on, the consolidation of the European arms industry…