The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) has demonstrated its plug-and-fight capabilities against air and missile threats in a simulated integration test held at Pratica di Mare, Italy.
The test demonstrated a network-centric open architecture and integration of BMC4I hardware and software to allow any combination of sensors and launchers to be organised into single or multiple air and missile defence battle elements.
MEADS International executive vice-president Volker Weidemann said: "This initial demonstration of the MEADS plug-and-fight network is only part of the advanced battle command architecture that MEADS provides."
MEADS is a 360° air coverage, medium-range air defence system designed to protect combat forces and critical assets against tactical ballistic missiles, manoeuvrable cruise missiles, aircraft and unmanned aerial systems.
Currently, the system is undergoing integration and evaluation tests in preparation for the first intercept flight test scheduled this month.
The participating companies in the design and development of MEADS include MBDA in Italy, LFK in Germany and Lockheed Martin in the US, which have formed a multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, Florida, US.
