Support for a joint program to develop a reconnaissance drone has been urged by three of Europe's top military contractors to the region's governments on Sunday. This will reduce the dependence on American and Israeli manufacturers.

EADS, European Aeronautic Defense and Space is the parent company of Airbus. It said in a joint statement with Dassault Aviation of France and Finmeccanica of Italy that there is a need of regional collaboration in unoccupied aerial vehicles. This will support the capability needs of European armed forces. Also, optimization needs for difficult budgetary situation.

Spending has been cut on weapon in recent years across the European Union. A significant gap in Europe's aerial capabilities was exposed by the recent interventions in Libya and Mali. Reconnaissance and combat drones, refueling tankers and heavy transport aircraft were the major concerns need to be dealt with.

The three companies agreed on Sunday to build a European medium-altitude, long-endurance, or MALE, drone. It will be used for surveillance and will be equipped with missiles. Moreover, it will have the ability to fly for up to 48 hours at altitude of 10,000 to 30,000 feet.

The companies said on the eve of the weeklong Paris Air Show, "European sovereignty and independence in the management of information and intelligence would be guaranteed by such a program".