NATO to develop radar system
NATO signed a contract worth over euro20 million (U.S. $25 million) Thursday with a consortium including European Aeronautic Defense & Space Co. and U.S.-based Northrop Grumman Corp. to develop a cutting edge ground surveillance system.
The contract addresses issues leading to the design and development phase of a high-tech radar system to be mounted in Airbus planes and unmanned drones so allied forces can monitor ground movements from the air.
The contract is part of a wider euro4 billion (U.S. $5.17 billion) deal that NATO cleared a year ago to develop the system with the consortium, which also includes Galileo Avionica, General Dynamics Canada, Indra and Thales.
NATO hopes to have the planes operational by 2010 as a key part of a drive to upgrade the alliance's military hardware.
The planes will complement NATO's fleet of AWACS planes, which monitor air traffic.
The signing came as armaments directors from the 26 NATO nations met in Brussels to review efforts to boost the alliance's high-tech arsenal focusing on anti-terrorism equipment and battlefield defense against missile attack.
NATO officials reported progress in developing a five-year program for a theater missile defense system.
However, NATO officials have expressed concern that alliance programs could be hurt by a looming disagreement between the United States and the European Union over arms sales to China.
