Lockheed Martin and Raytheon expect Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to proceed with standalone upgrade projects for their Patriot medium- to high-altitude air defence systems before the end of this year, with planning for a common Gulf Cooperation Council missile defence system increasingly unlikely to advance.
Company officials say the Kuwaiti requirement is seen as the highest priority, with Saudi Arabia close behind it. The United Arab Emirates is the most likely lead buyer for a new missile defence capability and a long-range early-warning radar system, they add.
Lockheed says it regards the UAE as a prime candidate for its Theatre High Altitude Area Defence system now on order for the US Army. Company officials confirm that efforts to secure release approvals for an export version are under way, with these expected to allow for foreign sales from 2009-10
Company officials say the Kuwaiti requirement is seen as the highest priority, with Saudi Arabia close behind it. The United Arab Emirates is the most likely lead buyer for a new missile defence capability and a long-range early-warning radar system, they add.
Lockheed says it regards the UAE as a prime candidate for its Theatre High Altitude Area Defence system now on order for the US Army. Company officials confirm that efforts to secure release approvals for an export version are under way, with these expected to allow for foreign sales from 2009-10
Source: Flight International