One of the most interesting events during the MSPO 2014 in Kielce was the first and rich presentation of MEADS’ components, such as surveillance radar, a PAC-3 MSE mock-up in 1:1 scale, a command and control (C2) system and the PAC-3 MSE launcher. Such heavy promotion is quite surprising due to the fact that MEADS has already been rejected by Poland. It shows, however, that MEADS International is still hoping to get Polish attention.
In the outdoor exposition, a launching unit for eight missiles, in a configuration tailored for the Italian Armed Forces, was presented. The command and control unit was in German configuration while 360 degree multi-function radar (with AESA antenna and Mark XIIA IFF subsystem in Mode 5) was in US configuration. Inside presentation included the above-mentioned mock-up of a “hit-to-kill” PAC-3 MSE missile by Lockheed Martin.
According to the latest proposed arrangement, Polish defense companies would have become a partner in the project along with the original developers, which are Lockheed Martin, MBDA Deutschland, and MBDA Italia. Poland was offered a place in this consortium and a chance to produce components of the PAC-3CRI missiles. In Poland, missiles would be assembled and maintained. However, Poland has ultimately rejected MEADS and decided to make a final choice between Raytheon (PAC-3 MSE and PAC-2 GEM-T) and Eurosam (ASTER 30 SAMP/T).
In mid-2014 it was revealed that MEADS is 85% finished. Therefore, it would have given Poland up to potentially 15% participation in such systems as radars (surveillance and fire control), launchers, vehicles and communications. If it had been selected, MEADS likely would have been augmented by Polish radars. The Polish defense industry would have been responsible for producing and assembling Lockheed Martin PAC-3CRI missiles and also for preparing its own, semi-indigenous MCM (Medium Range Air Defence Complement Missile). The U.S. government has already transferred the technology of homing sensors of a warhead to Polish Mesko. It would have given Poland a 70% participation in the MCM project. However, now, after Poland has rejected MEADS, a participation in the MCM project and MEADS programme seems highly unlikely.
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In the outdoor exposition, a launching unit for eight missiles, in a configuration tailored for the Italian Armed Forces, was presented. The command and control unit was in German configuration while 360 degree multi-function radar (with AESA antenna and Mark XIIA IFF subsystem in Mode 5) was in US configuration. Inside presentation included the above-mentioned mock-up of a “hit-to-kill” PAC-3 MSE missile by Lockheed Martin.
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| In the outdoor exposition of MSPO 2014, MEADS' launching unit for eight missiles, in a configuration tailored for the Italian Armed Forces, was presented. (Photos: Robert Czulda) |
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| The MEADS command and control unit was in German configuration while 360 degree multi-function radar (with AESA antenna and Mark XIIA IFF subsystem in Mode 5) was in US configuration. |
According to the latest proposed arrangement, Polish defense companies would have become a partner in the project along with the original developers, which are Lockheed Martin, MBDA Deutschland, and MBDA Italia. Poland was offered a place in this consortium and a chance to produce components of the PAC-3CRI missiles. In Poland, missiles would be assembled and maintained. However, Poland has ultimately rejected MEADS and decided to make a final choice between Raytheon (PAC-3 MSE and PAC-2 GEM-T) and Eurosam (ASTER 30 SAMP/T).
In mid-2014 it was revealed that MEADS is 85% finished. Therefore, it would have given Poland up to potentially 15% participation in such systems as radars (surveillance and fire control), launchers, vehicles and communications. If it had been selected, MEADS likely would have been augmented by Polish radars. The Polish defense industry would have been responsible for producing and assembling Lockheed Martin PAC-3CRI missiles and also for preparing its own, semi-indigenous MCM (Medium Range Air Defence Complement Missile). The U.S. government has already transferred the technology of homing sensors of a warhead to Polish Mesko. It would have given Poland a 70% participation in the MCM project. However, now, after Poland has rejected MEADS, a participation in the MCM project and MEADS programme seems highly unlikely.
Robert Czulda