During the Missile Defense Conference in London this Spring, Boeing has introduced new concept of Mobile Ground Based Mid Course Missile Defense System. Could you please present us the main principles of that new idea?
Jeff Kohler: There is discussion among policy makers about potential alternatives for European missile defense. As policy makers review options for European missile defense, we want to provide an option beyond placing GBIs in silos if another solution is preferred. We have been studying a mobile GBI system and that work is ongoing. With a mobile GBI system, you retain the ability to defend both Europe and the United States.
We studied the mobile GBI to determine what is in the realm of the possible and to offer it as an alternative if called for. We believe it's an option that is lower risk, more affordable and can be fielded more quickly than other potential options. Some of the benefits of the mobile GBI are:- Protects Europe and the United States with a near-term, reduced infrastructure, low risk capability.
- Incorporates benefits of existing infrastructure of European, NATO and U.S. systems.
- Does not require a permanent presence; rapidly deployable, minimum timeline for set-up and operation in a contingency.
- Complementary to Active Layered Theater Ballistic Missile Defense and NATO operations.
- This option is readily adaptable to arms control verification and confidence-building measures that may be part of an administration arms control regime.
Boeing is going to cooperate with excellent Polish defense company WB Electronics on future joint projects. Is that so that the main point of cooperation will be the US Army program Future Combat Systems (FCS)?
- Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for collaboration in various defense industry areas including ground combat vehicle battle management, command, control and communications systems and other areas. The next step will be to identify and develop specific projects. Work would begin once contracts are in place. We have a Boeing team working with WBE on strategies and opportunities.
Polish Land Forces definitely need big robust heavy lift helicopters like Boeing's Chinook. Can we expect any Boeing's step into any form of cooperation with Polish Aviation Industry on joint Chinook offer for Polish Land Forces?
- The Boeing Company constantly looks at industrial alliances that create value for our stakeholders and provide market-penetrating opportunities. We are currently evaluating the marketplace to determine the most appropriate path to providing the Polish Land Forces with the most effective heavy lift helicopter in the world - the CH-47F Chinook - which has become the NATO standard.
What are the general principles of Boeing cooperation with Polish and other Central European nations industry in 21-st Century?
- We look forward to additional opportunities in Poland. Poland has highly capable local aerospace and defense industry which Boeing is keen to access and leverage.
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