MBDA, Lockheed Martin JV to Pursue Germany’s Next-gen Air and Missile Defense System

MBDA and Lockheed Martin announced a new joint venture to pursue the next generation Integrated Air and Missile Defence System, “TLVS,” for the German Bundeswehr.

Registered as TLVS GmbH, the joint venture is expected to become the prime contractor for the new system, which is currently being negotiated with Germany’s procurement office for the Bundeswehr, BAAINBw, MBDA said in a statement Thursday.

Dietmar Thelen, representing MBDA and Gregory Kee, director of TLVS for Lockheed Martin will lead the company from the MBDA office in Schrobenhausen, Germany. The company will also have operations in Germany and in the US.

TLVS / MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defense System) is a ground-based air defense system for short and medium ranges. It is used to protect population centers and troops in action. The system is suitable for defense against tactical-ballistic short-range and medium-range missiles, combat aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles. The system offers 360-degree all-round protection. 

An open system architecture and plug and fight capability make it possible, depending on the threat situation, to connect and control additional radars and launchers to the MEADS operations center. In addition, it is also possible to connect missiles that act in the upper interception area or systems that are intended for near and far-range protection.

TLVS / MEADS is mobile and can be laid with the transport aircraft A400M. TLVS / MEADS will also include other components that were not part of MEADS. These include, among other things, the integration of the IRIS-T SL time-of-flight missile and the SAMOC guidance system.