UPDATE 1-Dassault Aviation voices Brexit concerns as it posts higher profits

* Delays in UK/France drone project -Trappier

* Dassault Aviation posts higher 2017 profits

* Dividend up to 15.30 euros, shares rise(Adds further executive comments, detail)

By Cyril Altmeyer

PARIS, March 8 (Reuters) - Dassault Aviation, oneof France's leading military and civilian jet makers, voicedconcerns over the impact of Brexit on Thursday, as it reportedhigher 2017 profits.

Dassault Aviation's head Eric Trappier told reporters thatuncertainty over British defence spending and the Brexit processcould impact French and British co-operation on joint militaryprojects.

In 2016, France and Britain agreed to invest 2 billion euros($2.5 billion) to help build a new drone, and in January thisyear the two countries also unveiled further joint initiativesin security and military spheres.

Britain's BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, alongwith Dassault Aviation, Safran and Thales ofFrance, are among those involved in the drone project.

However, Trappier said there had been delays to that droneprogramme, and added there were questions over the impact thatBrexit could have on British government spending.

Last year, France and Germany edged towards achieving a70-year-old ambition to integrate European defences when theysigned a pact with 21 other EU governments to fund, develop anddeploy armed forces after Britain's decision to quit the bloc.

Dassault Aviation forecast delivering 40 of its Falconplanes and 12 of its Rafale fighter jets for 2018.

Net sales were expected to be similar to the 2017 figure,while the company raised its dividend to 15.30 euros from 12.10euros last year, with Dassault shares rising 1.6 percent inmid-session trading.

Last month, Dassault Aviation announced plans for a newlong-range business jet, renewing a battle with Gulfstreamat the top end of the market as demand for the ultimatestatus symbol recovers from a prolonged recession.

($1 = 0.8085 euros)(Editing by GV De Clercq/Sudip Kar-Gupta)