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Germany Joins MEADS Program, Approves Design and Development Phase

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Germany has approved entry into the design and development phase of the tri-national Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) program, joining the United States and Italy. This milestone marks a significant step forward for the program, which aims to develop a next-generation air and missile defense system. The MEADS system will feature a lightweight launcher, 360-degree fire control and surveillance radars, and plug-and-fight battle management command and control capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MEADS program is a tri-national effort involving the United States, Germany, and Italy, with Lockheed Martin, MBDA, and EADS contributing to its development.
  • The MEADS system will include a lightweight launcher, 360-degree fire control and surveillance radars, and plug-and-fight battle management command and control capabilities.
  • The program is expected to cost approximately $3.4 billion over nine years, with the United States responsible for 58% of the costs, Germany 25%, and Italy 17%.
  • The MEADS system is expected to provide significant cost savings and greater interoperability for its participating nations.
  • Technical work shares are similarly divided, with 58% attributed to the United States, 25% to Germany, and 17% to Italy.
  • The program will also enable technology transfer procedures and allow other countries to participate in the MEADS program.
  • MEADS is expected to provide a 360-degree defense capability with netted-distributed communication and address the full threat spectrum.

Statistics:

  • The MEADS program is expected to cost approximately $3.4 billion over nine years.
  • The United States will be responsible for 58% of the costs, Germany 25%, and Italy 17%.
  • Technical work shares are similarly divided, with 58% attributed to the United States, 25% to Germany, and 17% to Italy.
  • The MEADS system is expected to provide significant cost savings and greater interoperability for its participating nations.
  • The program will also enable technology transfer procedures and allow other countries to participate in the MEADS program.

Sources:

  • Defense Daily, October 29, 2004
  • [Copyright 2005 Access Intelligence, LLC. All rights reserved.]

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