BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin have initiated a four-month study to determine opportunities to cooperate on radar projects to enhance their ballistic missile defense capabilities.

The target for the study is future international radar programs for surface ship applications. It will determine technologies to focus on for upgrading existing radar systems at lower cost than would be possible with independent R&D.

Lockheed Martin, with its Aegis radar system, is working closely with the U.S. Navy to adapt the system to cue interceptors to shoot down incoming ballistic missiles. There is some speculation that a high-power augmenting radar may be needed to detect far away targets. A high-power radar would also improve a ship's chances of detecting stealthy anti-ship cruise missiles.

BAE Systems would likely focus its efforts on the Sampson multi-function radar that's been chosen for the Royal Navy's Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyer.

By Robert Wall