France, Italy and Germany have signed a joint partnership to develop drones for surveillance and civilian use. Image source:(iStock)An alliance has been formed in Europe in an effort to reduce dependency on the U.S. and Israel for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology.

France, Italy and Germany have partnered to develop a medium-range, long endurance (MALE) UAV that will be put into service by 2025. Interest also exists from Spain and Poland to join the project.

They hope to create a drone that can be used for civilian purposes, like border control, fire-fighting and disaster monitoring, and fly at an altitude of up to 9,000 feet.

According to the Financial Times, the drone will “incorporate technology that will allow it to operate in the same airspace as manned aircraft.”

"This important step by industry and government clearly recognizes that sovereignty in development of new systems, and specifically in military reconnaissance and unmanned aviation is of strategic importance for European security,” Airbus Defense and Space CEO Bernhard Gerwert is quoted as saying.

In 2014, the companies submitted a study proposal for a next-generation MALE UAV, including a 24-month definition phase and a full development phase.