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Alan H. Merbaum, Senior Manager, Air and Missile Defense, International Business Development, Lockheed Martin |
Aeroindianews.com,
the official online show daily of Aero India 2007 interviewed
Alan H. Merbaum,Senior Manager, Air and Missile Defense, International Business Development, Lockheed Martin.
AeroIndianews.com:
Lockheed Martin has decided to offer PAC-3 air and missile defence system to India. Please tell us about the missile defence system.
Alan H. Merbaum : The PAC-3 Missile is the world’s most advanced, capable and powerful terminal air defence missile. It defeats the entire threat i.e. tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and the aircraft. It is a high velocity interceptor that defeats incoming targets by direct, body-to-body impact. The 17 feet long missile weighs around 700 pound.
AeroIndianews.com: Why should India go for PAC-3 Missile? What are its special characteristics?
Alan H. Merbaum : The PAC-3 missile is a quantum leap ahead of any other air missile defence missile when it comes to the ability to protect the war fighter in their defining moments. The missile has hit-to-kill technology to assure protection of troops and assets. No other missile can match with this missile in its ability to defeat the entire threat spectrum. Most importantly it can completely destroy the Weapons of Mass Destruction.
AeroIndianews.com: How cost effective is it?
Alan H. Merbaum : When we are talking about country’s defence system, cost is not a matter of concern. After 9/11, the United States of America has spent billions of dollars on its defence. If we take its ability to defend into consideration, then it is the most affordable system.
AeroIndianews.com:
In which Indian fighter aircraft the missile can be fitted?
Alan H. Merbaum : It is hard to say. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Government of India will decide it.
AeroIndianews.com: Are you planning to set up any service center or manufacturing unit in India?
Alan H. Merbaum : We will take all necessary steps to comply with government of India norms. We want to develop long-term relationship with Indian companies.
AeroIndianews.com:
Which country in the world is now using the PAC-3 Missile?
Alan H. Merabaum- A number of countries are using the missile including Japan.
AeroIndianews.com:
Did the US Air Force use this missile in Operation Iraqi Freedom?
Alan H. Merbaum-Yes, the US Air Force had used this missile in Operation Iraqi Freedom and it was hundred percent effective.
AeroIndianews.com:
Please tell us something about your current project.
Alan H. Merbaum : We are now working on THAAD weapon system. Last Friday we conducted a successful flight test of the THAAD weapon system
AeroIndianews.com:
What is THAAD Weapon System?
Alan H. Merbaum : THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defence weapon system. It has hit-to-kill quality, which effectively negate the effects of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) at intercept ranges well beyond the defended areas. It has unique endo-and exo-atmospheric capability, which enlarges the battle space to allow multiple intercept opportunities in both the late-mid course and terminal phase of ballistic missile trajectories.
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