The mobile MEADS system has been developed to destroy all incoming tactical or medium-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, weapons of mass destruction, aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. Compared to existing systems, it provides vastly greater firepower, combat-proven hit-to-kill technology, 360-degree radar coverage and a plug-and-fight battle management network architecture.

Under development by Germany, Italy, and the United States, MEADS is a ground-mobile air and missile defense system intended to replace Patriot systems in Germany, and Nike Hercules systems in Italy.

Its open architecture provides system-of-system integration capabilities that allow operational mission-tailoring for homeland defense or defense of maneuver forces. MEADS also provides greater firepower with less manpower than current systems, producing significant operation and support cost savings.

MEADS International, a multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is the prime contractor for the MEADS system. Major subcontractors and joint venture partners are MBDA in Italy and Germany, and Lockheed Martin in the United States.

In September 2013, MEADS received certification for its Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. Mode 5 is more secure and provides positive line-of-sight identification of friendly platforms equipped with an IFF transponder to better protect allied forces.

In July 201, the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) completed a comprehensive system demonstration at Pratica di Mare Air Base near Rome, Italy. The two-week test demonstration included significant first-time events that were observed by several national delegations.

“The outstanding result is that we have demonstrated the full range of advanced network capabilities that only MEADS can provide,” said MEADS International Executive Vice President Volker Weidemann. “These ground-breaking capabilities are ready to be carried forward to meet national needs.”