The transatlantic Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) programme has completed 75% of its critical design review approval events, and flight tests are on course to be initiated at New Mexico's White Sands Missile Range in 2012, according to Lockheed Martin. The US-based contractor is a programme participant alongside Germany's LFK and the Italian arm of MBDA. With 360e_SDgr rotating capability, MEADS is intended to replace the USA Patriot systems, Italy's Nike Hercules systems and Germany's Hawk and Patrio systems. The system is being jointly developed by those three countries, with the USA contributing 58% of the funding, Germany 25% and Italy 17%.
Source: Flight Daily News