A MISSILE SHIELD FOR EUROPE

Discussions are underway to demonstrate an extended anti-theater ballistic missile defense capability for Europe that would offer an engagement envelope at least twice that of an initial Aster SAMP/T Block 1 system ordered last week.

On Nov. 12, European procurement agency Occar awarded Eurosam, a joint venture of MBDA and Thales, a 3-billion euro ($3.5-billion) Phase 3 contract for full-scale development and production of SAMP/T Block 1, after three years of negotiation. Block 1 is a derivative of the Aster 30 conventional air defense weapon designed for defense against crude Scud D ballistic missiles as well as basic cruise missiles of the Silkworm class, unmanned aerial vehicles and other advanced aerial threats.

Funded by France and Italy, Block 1 is billed as the first operational ATBM defense system designed for both land- and sea-based operation, filling a strategic gap in Europe's forward-projection capability. "With this system, there is no longer any gap whatsoever with the U.S. [in this area]," said MBDA CEO Marwan Lahoud.

The award will include delivery of 18 batteries to France and Italy, along with associated Aster 30 missiles, to be delivered through 2014. Block 1, to enter service in 2007, is intended to provide area defense in support of new European and NATO rapid-reaction forces.