PETER LA FRANCHI / DUBAI
Lockheed Martin has completed a conceptual study of options for a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) integrated ballistic missile defence capability based on networking existing national air defence systems into a common architecture that provides regional coverage.
The study was carried out by Lockheed Martin at the request of the chief of the United Arab Emirates air force and air defence, Maj Gen Khaled Al Bu-Ainain, but was funded by the company. The results are understood to be on the agenda for a GCC working group discussion on possible approaches to a regional missile defence system to be held early in 2004.
The Lockheed Martin study is proposing that rather than seeking to develop a new standalone architecture, the diverse array of missile systems already in operational service be adapted to operate as a common multi-layered system.
The system would include a shared early warning capability and incorporate a full spectrum of engagement from very high altitude to short-range defence. The surface-to-air missile systems already deployed by GCC states are sourced from France, Russia, the UK and USA.
Flight International understands that the GCC working group, which comprises regional air force and air defence commands, is considering commissioning a detailed multinational architecture analysis from mid-2004.
The potential development of a GCC-operated regional missile defence system is emerging as a major focal point for proposals from within the region for the development of a common network-centric warfare architecture.
Al Bu-Ainain told the Defense News Middle East Air Chiefs Conference held in Dubai on 7 December that regional defence forces needed to develop a common command, control, communications and surveillance architecture to link existing systems and provide complete regional transparency.
Al Bu-Ainain's comments come as the UAE begins evaluation of initial proposals from BAE Systems, EADS, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and Thales for the supply of a combined land, sea and air command and control system. The UAE issued a restricted request for proposals during the third quarter of 2003, with responses closing in November.
The UAE is also finalising a deal with the USA for the supply of up to five ex-US Navy Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
A Raytheon Standard SM-3 surface-to-air missile made a hit-to-kill intercept of an Aries target on 11 December in the fourth successful test under the US Navy's Aegis ballistic missile defence programme. On Flight Mission 6, the SM-3 was fired from the Lockheed Martin Aegis-equipped cruiser USS Erie and intercepted the target outside the atmosphere in its descent phase.Source: Flight International
