5 Bidders Emerge in Competition for Czech Republic Air Defense Systems

WARSAW — Five companies have submitted offers to supply mid-range air defense systems to the Czech Ministry of Defense. These include Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Kongsberg, Rafael and Diehl, according to Vladimir Lukovsky, a spokesperson for the Czech ministry.

"The aim of this consultation is to obtain information on the existing modern mid-range air defense systems, technological trends and the systems that are operated in other countries," Lukovsky told local news site Euro.cz. "The offer should cover the delivery of complete air defense systems, missiles, logistics support, and also technical suport in the entire product life cycle."

The Czech ministry is currently evaluating the offers submitted by the five defense companies.

Under the plan, the new missiles are to replace the Czech Republic's Soviet-built 2K 12M KUB M systems. The outdated missiles are to be decommissioned in 2020, and the Czech ministry aims to acquire new air defense systems by then.

In the first phase of the procurement, Prague is planning to purchase less than 10 new batteries. The procurement is estimated to be worth at least 6 billion krona (US $246 million).

The 2K 12M KUB is a mobile surface-to-air system. In addition to the Czech Republic, it is used by a number of Eastern European allies, such as Poland, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

The new missile systems are to be reportedly placed on a wheeled vehicle supplied by Czech manufacturer Tatra Trucks.

More In Global

New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.

ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor

The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.