[Avionics Today April 28, 2014] Germany is considering upgrading its air and missile defense system with a new system developed by Lockheed Martin, the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS), the aerospace and defense manufacturer said.
MEADS will replace the current Patriot system in Germany with an expandable system architecture that Lockheed first began development on in 2004. The system uses the hit-to-kill PAC-3 MSE Missile to defeat tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft, providing full 360-degree engagement.
In November, the system demonstrated the ability to perform a dual intercept against a tactical ballistic missile and an air-breathing target approaching from opposite directions.
During a meeting with the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) in Berlin, Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson discussed the collaboration with European government and industry partners that helped develop MEADS.
“Germany’s contributions to MEADS have been tremendous, and our industry partners at MBDA and Airbus have played a critical role in the development of this system. This industry partnership is exemplary," said Hewson.