Defense Acquisition: Decision Nears on Medium Extended Air Defense System
Abstract
In 1989, the Army recognized that it needed to replace some of its aging ail defense systems, including the Homing All-the-Way to Kill (HAWK) missile. The Army wanted the HAWK'S replacement to be rapidly deployable, capable against weapons of mass destruction, and able to defeat a wide range of targets. The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology approved concept exploration for a new surface-to-air missile but stated that the Army needed a draft agreement for allied participation before system development would be approved. The Army was successful in finding U.S. allies that were interested in jointly acquiring a new air and missile defense system. In February 1994, the United States officially invited Germany to participate in the system's development and production. Because of Germany's desire to make the program a U.S.-European cooperative initiative, the program was subsequently expanded to include France and then Italy. Representatives of the four countries signed a multilateral statement of intent in February 1995 to collaborate in the development of a system capable of meeting the requirements of all four countries. The effort became known as the MEADS program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA346770
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office