After abrief historical review of the origin and the development of the aeronautical industry in Europe, the present situation is examined and is pointed out the absolute need of a elose cooperation among the European nations and of an efficient collaboration between Europe and the United States. As examples of cooperation, two Weapon Systems are mentioned: the Fiat G 91, light weight strike fighter, conceived and developed in Italy, produced in Italy and in Germany, with equipment furnished also by several firms of other European countries, and the Lockheed F 104 G, mul- tipurpose supersonic fighter, conceived and developed in the United States and produced through an integrated program by Germany, Belgium, Hol- land and Italy. After an illustration of how the European cooperation has developed and developes in practice, it is pointed out that the F 104 G represents an important example of same and that the integrated production program of this aircraft should be recognized as areal important achievement which has contributed to improve the European aeronautical technology. With regard to the possible areas of future cooperation and of the meth- ods for its realization, it is expressed the opinion that any result should have its origin and its basis in a eloser political understanding among the Euro- pean nations and the United States.
