Nexter signs R&D agreement - UPI.com 11 (UPI) -- A French weapons manufacturer has signed a research-and-development deal with a government agency for improved weapons, munitions and services. Under the research and development agreement, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission CEA will provide Nexter with its innovations in energy storage and distribution, virtual reality, micro-electro-mechanical systems, micro-sensors and others. Nexter will provide the CEA with the engineering expertise in embedded system applications. The aim is to enhance Nexter's product lines in land weaponry and fuel technical innovation. "While competition in the terrestrial defense market is becoming increasingly fierce, Nexter reinforces its innovation policy to offer its customers even more value for its new products and services," Nexter Chairman Philippe Burtin said. This French technological cooperation highlights innovative technologies in terrestrial defense to boost its differentiation and competitiveness. Jean Therme, director of the CEA's Technological Research Division, said: "In a context of increased global competition, our country's innovative power is more than ever crucial to its industry's competitiveness. Nexter can count on the CEA's ability to develop and transfer the most innovative technologies to create real added value to its products and processes; this is the priority that the CEA has set itself with its industry partners. Nexter is a principal supplier of land defense systems for the French army.