i think they should retain the name Eurocopter, or rename it “Airbus-Eurocopter”, that way everyone is happy.
besides, renaming EC- helicopters to AB- helicopters (for example AB-135) can confuse some customers with the former Agusta-Bell (now AgustaWestland) line.

although i think Airbus is looking to become more like Boeing, remember for a long time, Boeing was synonimous for its civil airliners and military derivatives of them.
since they took over Mc Donnell Douglas and Hughes Helicopters in the early 90’s, they also took over the F-15 and F/A-18 Brand, but also helicopters like the OH-6.
what is happening here in Europe is a similar event, now airbus will possess the rights to combat aircraft such as the Barracude UAV, a large portion of Eurofighter and various other programs, but these will propably be absorbed into Airbus Military.

of course it will be kinda strange at first, but im sure they will figure it out.

Belgium to Retire B-Hunter UAV’s in 2017

translated:

the Belgian Defence is set to retire its fleet of 12 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) B-Hunter UAV’s when they reach the end of they’re service life in 2017.
there appear to be no intentions to find a replacement at the moment, or the intention to join a European UAV development program.

the logistics so maintain this whole array of types must be a nightmare.
i can see a mix of European, US and Russian hardware.

but i remember a few years ago that the FAM was planning to improve the availability of aircraft by focusing on a single or 2 suppliers rather then 3 (or more).
with the limited budget Mexico has, the best bet is to buy Chinese or Russian.
but in recent years i noticed that mexico is mostly buying European and American.

i dont think the HAL AJT is going to be selected, the aircraft was specificaly designed for Indian requirements. the aircraft also seems a but to light and underpowered.
i still suggest a joint deal with Belgium (and possibly Germany) on a new European platform, preferably the AerMacchi M-346 (or M-345 (aka M-311) if budget doenst allow it)
althought the Hawk 120 is also a strong contender (and an adaptable and proven design) i think it would be better to invest in a newer design.
in my opinion, M-346 and PC-21 are the best choices if you want to stay with a Euro platform.

i think a Jet trainer deal with France will be a joint purchase and evaluation with Belgium (thinking a 70/30 or 60/40 split), as the BAF will also need to replace its cazaux based Alpha jets in that same timeframe.

i personally favor the M-346 (as they are already going to be operated at Cazaux by the RSAF). the KAI T-50 could also be a contender, aswell as the PC-21 and Super Tucano.
althought the PC-21 cannot be used in a weapons training role as the aircraft itsself is unarmed (unlike the Super Tucano).
its to bad the EADS MAKO project is dead, would have been a likely candidate, as the AdA prefers “made in France” equipment.

creating an indigenous trainer (by Dassault/EADS) would not be a viable option, as the market is already flooded with a wide selection of training aircraft (Hawk 120 series, M-346, M-311, KAI T-50, PC-21, Super Tucano, YAK-130, Mig-AT (if still exsisting), L-15, K-8,…..)

speaking of fighter replacement, it appears they are in talks with Spain for 12 secondhand Mirage F-1M’s

http://www.nuevaeranet.com.ar/locales/nota-el-gobierno-nacional-podria-adquirir-12-cazas-para-la-vi-brigada-aerea-28808.html

France orders 34 additional NH90’s