MEADS fire control radar demonstrates capability

The fire control radar of the Medium Extended Air Defense System demonstrated its technological maturity during testing in Italy and Germany.

European missile-maker MBDA, a partner with Lockheed Martin in developing the defense system through a joint venture company called MEADS International, said the 360-degree multi-function fire control radar successfully demonstrated several advanced capabilities, including the tracking and canceling of jamming signals; searching, cueing and tracking in ground clutter; and successfully classifying target data using kinematic information.

"The latest test again gives evidence of the maturity of the MEADS development results," said Siegfried Bucheler, director of Programs and Supply Chain at MBDA Germany and chairman of the Board of Directors at MEADS International. "They form an excellent basis for Germany's future air defense system.

"MEADS technologies are designed to fulfill requirements for an advanced tactical air and missile defense system that anticipates future threats. Competing systems would require further development to achieve the advanced MEADS capabilities."

MEADS is a ground-based, mobile air and missile defense system that was originally designed as a possible replacement for Patriot missile defense systems used by the United States and Germany and Nike Hercules systems in Italy. It uses the hit-to-kill missile technology of the Patriot system and active phased array technology using transmit/receive components developed in Germany.

MBDA said the testing of the radar system took place over six weeks in Italy and Germany.

"We are thrilled with the maturity of this radar," said Marco Riccetti, technical director for MEADS International. "The MFCR has an extraordinary capability to detect and track ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its 360-degree capability provides added protection against next-generation threats for military sites and civilian populations."