Airbus Defence and Space and Diehl Defence Strengthen Cooperation in IAMD
Airbus Defence and Space and Diehl Defence signed an agreement on Wednesday to intensify their cooperation in Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) systems. This agreement, concluded at the ILA Berlin Air Show, builds on a proven collaboration around the IRIS-T SLM system and expands the scope of joint technological developments.
A Partnership Based on Technological Complementarity
The memorandum of understanding formalizes the intensification of cooperation between the two groups, leveraging their complementary technical capabilities. Airbus Defence and Space brings its proven command and control (C2) solutions and operationally validated architecture, while Diehl Defence is responsible for the entire ground-based air defence system (GBAD), including effectors and launchers. This division of responsibilities is based on a well-established joint experience: the IRIS-T SLM system, a medium-range air defence system, protects buildings, civil infrastructure, and highly strategic targets from aerial threats.
Creation of an Innovation Center and Scaling Up at a European Level
The two partners are considering the creation of a shared development environment (battle lab) to identify potential product improvements and to provide clients with enhanced capabilities and better responsiveness. Integrating new generations of C2 layers with Diehl Defence's proven effectors aims to create a resilient and fully interconnected defence shield, capable of adapting to the evolving requirements of NATO and the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The IBMS system, developed in close collaboration with the Bundeswehr, builds on decades of expertise in command, control, and interconnection. Its operational performance within the IRIS-T SLM/SLS system in Ukraine validates the effectiveness of the joint solutions. Several nations have adopted these air defence systems: Germany, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Expansion Prospects within the European Initiative
Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, stated that this joint effort represents 'the main catalyst and springboard for further expansion' of the ESSI initiative, offering an open architecture of reliable and effective air defence solutions. Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, specified that the partnership aims to provide smart and reliable solutions that meet the needs of clients in the field of integrated air and missile defence.
