MEADS achieves new programme milestone
The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has marked a new milestone with the successful interception of two simultaneous targets attacking from opposite directions during a stressing demonstration at White Sands Missile Range. The targets were both destroyed and the flight test achieved all criteria for success.
The demonstration was part of tests on the system’s 360-degree air and missile defence (AMD) capabilities. All elements of the MEADS system were tested, including the 360-degree MEADS surveillance radar, a networked MEADS battle manager, two lightweight launchers firing PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles and a 360-degree MEADS Multifunction Fire Control Radar (MFCR).
All system elements are reported to have worked as planned.
During the test, the first target, a QF-4 air-breathing target, approached from the south as a Lance missile, flying a tactical ballistic missile trajectory, attacked from the north. The surveillance radar acquired both targets and provided target cues to the MEADS battle manager, which generated cue commands for the MFCR. The MFCR tracked both targets successfully and guided missiles from launchers in the Italian and German configuration to successful intercepts.
Gregory Kee, general manager, NATO MEADS Management Agency, said: ‘Today's successful flight test is the culmination of three countries working together to design, develop and build the most advanced and capable air and missile defence weapon system in the world. No fielded ground-mobile AMD System can intercept targets from two directions at the same time, as MEADS did today.
‘MEADS technology can now be leveraged as mature, network-ready battle management, sensors and launchers to achieve the networked AMD capabilities envisioned by Germany, Italy and the US.’
The test also demonstrated over-the-shoulder manoeuvrability of the PAC-3 MSE missile in engaging the targets.
The MEADS programme has now achieved three flight test objectives; also including the successful simulated intercept of an air-breathing target; and the acquiring, tracking and destroying of an MQM-107 target.
More from Land Warfare
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.