MBDA Deutschland welcomes the decision of the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) to proceed with the Tactical Air Defence System (TLVS or Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem) based on the development results already achieved by MEADS. With this decision, Germany will be fulfilling the Bundeswehr’s requirements for a powerful, latest-generation air defence and missile defence system. It will also be taking full advantage of the successful MEADS investments it has made thus far.
"I’m convinced that MEADS is the right system to meet future air defence needs”, said Thomas Homberg, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland. “With this decision in favour of MEADS, Germany has opted for a powerful, state-of-the-art, long term ground-based air and missile defence system sufficient to meet the threats both of today and of the future. 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.”
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 Defence 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 defence”, said Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control President Rick Edwards.
The MEADS-based TLVS can be used for both national and alliance defence 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 defence 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 MEADSdevelopment process represent the equivalent of € 4 billion. Germany shouldered a 25% share of the investment.
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