ANDY NATIVI / GENOA
Government may lease Patriot systems to replace Nike Hercules missile batteries
Italy is seeking an interim air defence missile capability to replace its elderly Nike Hercules systems before the German/ Italian/US Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) is introduced in 2011/12.
The move follows the recent signing of a contract between MEADS International and the NATO MEADS Management Agency for a three-year risk-reduction programme.
MEADS has an anti-ballistic missile capability, with a range of 1,000-1,300km (540-700nm) and a terminal velocity of 2,800m/s. It is believed the system will defeat the 600km-range SS-1c Scud-B missile at a distance of 20km and an altitude of 15km.
The interceptor will be the Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile and it will have a capability against unmanned air vehicles, cruise missiles, aircraft and helicopters.
The Italian air force has reduced its original 12-battery MEADS requirement to six or nine units, costing L1,500-2,000 billion ($660-880 million). These units will operate alongside point defence and very short-range air defence missile systems.
Nike replacement options include leasing Patriot PAC-2+ from the German air force or Patriot PAC-2+/PAC-3 systems (with PAC-2 missiles) from the US Army. Sources in Rome say discussions have already taken place.
The "European alternative" is to acquire six Eurosam SAMP-T Block 1 systems (the land-based version of the naval Aster 30). The Italian army would lend some systems to the air force, say the sources.
Italian industry is pushing for the air force to lease or buy its own SAMP-T batteries. This would balance the Italian purchase with France's 12-battery acquisition.
The Italian defence ministry is expected to make a decision soon. The interim systems are likely to remain in service until 2012/14.
The MEADS development contract is worth $216 million funded 55% by the USA, 28 % by Germany and 17% by Italy.
A first capability demonstration is to be held in two years' time in the USA, with a second scheduled in Rome for 32 months after contract signature.
Engineering and manufacturing development is not due to start before early 2004.
Source: Flight International
