Several years ago, the German military and political leadership decided to modernize the existing tactical air defense system. By the end of the next decade, it is planned to replace the existing anti-aircraft missile systems with promising weapons. A deep modernization of the existing air defense is carried out within the framework of a program called Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem or TLVS. The work is carried out by the forces of the two countries with the leading role of a foreign defense enterprise.
The German command launched the Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem (Tactical Air Defense System) program in 2015. The reason for its appearance was the expected moral and physical obsolescence of the available air defense systems. In 2005, the MIM-23 Hawk medium-range air defense system was removed from the armament of the Bundeswehr, and the MIM-104 Patriot complexes of the PAC-2 and PAC-3 versions became the basis of the German air defense. In the distant future, the current Patriot systems should become obsolete and become obsolete. In this regard, several years ago it was decided to launch a rearmament program.
Means of SAM MEADS in the version for the German system TLVS
According to 2015 plans, the TLVS program was supposed to stretch over a decade and a half. The first few years, the military intended to spend on the development of a new air defense system or on the search for a suitable one among the existing samples. Then it was supposed to carry out the necessary development work, and then start the processes of mass production and rearmament. Until the end of the twenties, the promising TLVS complex should replace the MIM-104 systems, which are currently the basis of the German air defense.
With the help of the TLVS system, Germany plans to build an advanced air defense system designed to solve special problems. In accordance with NATO's current plans, Germany is playing a leading role in the field of European air defense. Its defense system should not only protect its own airspace, but also help other countries. In particular, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of combining the air defense systems of Germany and neighboring states.
In the same 2015, the German Ministry of Defense received several applications for participation in the TLVS program. Organizations from several countries have shown interest in this project and future contracts. In particular, the European company MBDA Deutschland and the American Lockheed Martin took part in the competition. They proposed a joint design of an anti-aircraft complex based on an already well-known model - the US-developed MEADS system.
The architecture of the air defense system Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem and its interaction with other systems
In the first half of 2015, the Bundeswehr compared the proposals and made its decision. The contract for the implementation of the TLVS project was awarded to a German and an American company; they had to create a modified version of the MEADS air defense system that meets the requirements of the German army. Immediately after that, Germany and the developers of the proposed project began negotiations, the purpose of which was to clarify the requirements, capabilities and other aspects of the future project.
For a number of reasons, negotiations and preliminary design work on the Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem took a long time. Nevertheless, the main organizational issues were resolved, as a result of which the development of the project was formally transferred to the new company. Lockheed Martin and MBDA have formed a joint venture TLVS GmbH, which is the official developer of the project of the same name. The agreement on the creation of this company was signed in March 2018, and now it is she who does business with the German command.
Joint work on a promising project continues, but it faces certain difficulties. A few days ago, reports appeared in the foreign press about typical problems with TLVS. The German military department presented a report to parliament, which, among other things, touches upon the implementation of the TLVS program. It turned out that the United States took a "restrictive position" in the current negotiations. This fact significantly complicates further work on the creation of a promising air defense system.
Radar type MFCR in working position
The American side refuses to provide German colleagues with "the sixth level of access" to the simulation of the behavior of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement rocket. Germany wants access to the most accurate model of a promising anti-aircraft missile. With its help, it will be possible to calculate the behavior of the product in real conditions with the input of specific parameters and features of the situation.
It is reported that the United States is in no hurry to hand over the required models to Germany, as it fears information leaks. If the most accurate model of the PAC-3 MSE missile falls into the wrong hands, the entire promising program will be in an extremely difficult position. American experts fear that a potential adversary may study the features of the latest missile and use the knowledge gained to improve air defense breakthroughs.
View from a different angle
How this problem will be solved is unknown. Either the American side will have to make concessions and demonstrate confidence in foreign partners, or German specialists will be forced to develop a new air defense system without all the necessary information. Both options are compromise and do not fully suit one side or the other.
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The main goal of the Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem program is to create a promising medium and long-range anti-aircraft missile system capable of fighting modern and promising aircraft, aircraft weapons, cruise and ballistic missiles. From the point of view of the main tasks, the TLVS differs little from the existing systems in service, but a number of new requirements are imposed on it. Due to their implementation, it is planned to ensure the protection of the airspace of Germany, as well as, if necessary, of neighboring countries.
In accordance with the terms of reference, the means of the new air defense system should be placed on self-propelled automobile chassis. It is proposed to provide strategic mobility through air transport. All elements of the TLVS complex must comply with the limitations of the latest Airbus A400M military transport aircraft.
Radar station maintenance
The TLVS complex should have a modular open-type architecture. Software and hardware should interact through standard interfaces, ensuring the free replacement of individual components and the introduction of new ones. It is necessary to ensure the functionality of the Plug & Fight type. These capabilities are planned to be used to integrate the TLVS air defense system with other air defense systems, both German and compatible foreign ones.
The assignment for the project also touched upon the issues of labor intensity of maintenance and automation. The air defense system of a new type should work under the control of the calculation of the reduced number due to the maximum automation of all main processes. It is also required to reduce the cost of operating the equipment.
At the command post MEADS / TLVS
Back in 2015-16, it was determined that a promising anti-aircraft missile system for Germany would be based on the American product MEADS (Medium Extended Air Defense System) from Lockheed Martin. To meet the requirements of the Bundeswehr, it needs certain improvements, but a radical change in the complex is not required. Without any changes, a number of major components, including anti-aircraft guided missiles, are being transferred from MEADS to TLVS. At the same time, some new tools will be added to them. Thus, TLVS can be considered a modification of MEADS.
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All fixed assets of MEADS and TLVS complexes are proposed to be mounted on wheeled automobile chassis with suitable load-carrying capacity characteristics. So, complexes for the Bundeswehr are planned to be built using multi-axle special chassis of the HX family from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles. Such a machine is capable of transporting 15 tons of payload and moving both on the highway and over rough terrain.
One of the main components of the MEADS and TLVS air defense systems is the MFCR multifunctional radar, which provides target detection and fire control. A platform with radar equipment and an active phased antenna array is mounted on the base chassis. The station operates in the X-band and provides observation of the situation in the upper hemisphere within a radius of several hundred kilometers.
Self-propelled launcher in the version for the Bundeswehr
Data from the radar should be transmitted to a command post such as MEADS TOC, made in the form of a separate machine. Its main task is to ensure the interaction of other means of the complex, as well as the implementation of integration with third-party systems. The command post controls launchers and missiles, and is also capable of receiving data from third-party sources and controlling other firepower of third-party complexes. This should simplify the construction and deployment of an advanced layered air defense system.
To work with missiles, self-propelled launchers are intended, which are a slightly redesigned component of the MEADS complex. On the cargo area of such a machine, a lifting boom with attachments for transport and launch containers of missiles is mounted. Ammunition of one launcher will include eight missiles of one of the proposed types. The operation of the launcher is controlled by the command post.
The base for MEADS and TLVS is the PAC-3 MSE missile defense system. It is a variant of the deep modernization of the existing Patriot air defense missile system and has improved characteristics. The range and altitude, as well as the accuracy of hitting the target, have been increased. The PAC-3 MSE missile is capable of striking both aerodynamic and ballistic targets. The possibility of a successful attack by short and medium-range ballistic missiles has been declared. Interestingly, the range and altitude of the PAC-3 MSE missile have not yet been officially announced.
PAC-3 MSE rocket launch
Several new tools of various kinds are being developed specifically for the German TLVS complex. Chief among them is the new IRIS-T SL guided missile. This product is proposed to build on the existing IRIS-T air-to-air missile with an infrared homing head, previously developed by Diehl Defense. The basic missile is proposed to be adapted for use on ground launchers, which will provide defense of the near zone. The emergence of a new missile defense system entails the need to develop two original components that complement the existing ones.
For the IRIS-T SL missile, it is proposed to create a specialized surveillance and tracking radar station. It should provide air surveillance and target identification for short-range missiles. In terms of its functions, it should be similar to the main MFCR radar, but differ in a number of characteristics.
SAM IRIS-T SL differs from PAC-3 MSE in smaller size and weight, which makes different requirements for the launcher. The Bundeswehr and TLVS GmbH decided to abandon the use of a unified combat vehicle, and now intend to develop a new version of the launcher specifically for smaller missiles. However, two launchers from the Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem air defense system will use a common chassis and other unified components.
Shooting missiles in the rear hemisphere
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Thus, in the medium term, German and American engineers will jointly complete a project for a deep modernization of the existing anti-aircraft missile system, and will also supplement it with several new means and systems. Most of the elements of the TLVS air defense system already exist and have passed the necessary tests, but the joint venture of MBDA and Lockheed Martin has yet to develop several new products. As a result, the Bundeswehr will be able to obtain a modern high-performance air defense system that meets the requirements of Germany and NATO.
According to current plans, development work on the completion of the elements of the MEADS air defense system and the creation of new products for the TLVS will take the next few years. By the mid-twenties, it is planned to complete the tests of the full-scale experimental complexes, after which the project will be able to move to the stage of serial production. By 2030, it is planned to complete the process of rearming the anti-aircraft units and replace the existing Patriot PAC-2/3 air defense systems with new Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem.
The progress of the promising program is reported with some optimism, but it can be excessive. According to the latest news, the TLVS project is facing organizational challenges. As it turned out, one of the project participants does not want to provide the other with all the necessary development tools and information about their products. It is quite possible that such disagreements will lead to difficulties in the development of a joint project and affect the timing of its implementation. Unless, of course, Germany and the United States are able to come to an agreement and solve the problem with classified data.
The development of a joint project of a promising anti-aircraft missile system Taktisches Luftverteidigungssystem continues and should lead to real results in the foreseeable future. Key approaches to international collaboration and design support the successful completion of the program, but other circumstances may hinder it. However, the command of the Bundeswehr has not yet shown much concern and looks to the future with optimism. Perhaps it has a reason for this, and the TLVS air defense system will be able to enter service as scheduled.
