With this decision, Germany will be fulfilling the Bundeswehr’s requirements for a powerful, latest-generation air defense and missile defense system. It will also be taking full advantage of the successful Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) investments it has made thus far.
“I'm convinced that MEADS is the right system to meet future air defense needs. With this decision in favor of MEADS, Germany has opted for a powerful, state-of-the-art, long term ground-based air and missile defense system sufficient to meet the threats both of today and of the future,” said Thomas Homberg, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland.
“This decision is a great success for MEADS, our long-term partners and for MBDA Deutschland for whom it also represents a major responsibility and commitment to deliver the necessary level of industrial performance. It is now our shared responsibility, together with the armed forces, to provide a solid basis for the introduction of the system,” he added.
TLVS is being carried out under the system leadership of MBDA Deutschland, which continues to draw on MBDA Italia capabilities as well as on a proven industry partnership involving Lockheed Martin and Airbus Defense and Space as well as the skills of many German and international subcontractors.
“Lockheed Martin is fully committed to the success of TLVS. It reflects our continuing commitment to international partnerships and ongoing support for the German government’s leadership role in European missile defense”, said Lockheed Martin (LM) Missiles and Fire Control President Rick Edwards.
The MEADS-based TLVS can be used for both national and alliance defense and to protect deployed troops during operations. Special features of the system include 360-degree coverage, open system architecture and “plug & fight” capability, which allows for the coupling of additional sensors and weapon systems, as well as rapid deployability.
In addition, the TLVS air defense system can be operated at a significantly lower cost to the user than existing systems and with fewer personnel. The technologies generated within the framework of the tri-national MEADS development process represent the equivalent of € 4 billion. Germany shouldered a 25% share of the investment.
