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U.S. Presents Prerequisites for International Participation in Missile Defense System
The U.S. Defense Department is calling for significant cost sharing with countries and formal agreements to allow participation by international companies in U.S. missile defense programs, Aviation Week & Space Technology reported this week (see GSN, Sept. 28). The United Kingdom and Australia already have the requisite framework agreement with the United States (see GSN, July 8), with Japan close to an agreement and several other nations moving toward participation, according to Aviation Week. Partners would be expected to match U.S. funding to about 50 percent. The Pentagon, however, has left open the possibility for alternative funding arrangements, such as “in-kind” contributions to the system, Aviation Week reported (Robert Wall, Aviation Week & Space Technology, Sept. 27). Meanwhile, MEADS International received a $3 billion contract to design and develop the Medium Extended Air Defense System, which is expected to replace the Hawk and Patriot missile defense systems, according to a company press statement (see GSN, July 15). The United States and Italy have signed an agreement to develop the system, and Germany is expected to sign on later this year. “We will continue to demonstrate the benefits that Europe and the United States gain by working closely together to solve national defense needs — interoperability, reduced cost and better systems,” said MEADS International Vice President Axel Widera (MEADS International press release, Sept. 28).
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