An MBDA–Lockheed Martin [LMT] team said Sept. 29 that it has submitted a proposal to the German government in hopes of paving the way for a contract to develop the TVLS air and missile defense system.
The offer, presented Sept. 28 to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), will form the basis of negotiations with German officials, said Thomas Gottschild, managing director of MBDA Deutschland. The aim is to negotiate a contract that the German parliament can review in spring 2017.
The German government selected TVLS over Raytheon’s [RTN] Patriot system last year. The ground-based TVLS, which will provide 360-degree coverage, is based on Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) technology, which MBDA and Lockheed Martin have been developing for years through the MEADS International joint venture.