Contract for Enhanced Air-to-Air Capabilities

German weapons manufacturer Diehl Defence has announced that it will lead the development and production of the IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled) Block II air-to-air missiles for program partners Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. The contract, signed by Germany’s federal office for armed forces equipment, information technology, and in-service support (BAAINBw) at the end of December 2024, signifies a critical advancement in the IRIS-T program.

Key Features and Milestones

While Diehl has not disclosed the contract value, the quantity of Block II missiles ordered, or specific delivery dates, the company highlighted that the Block II contract represents an important step for the future of the IRIS-T missile system. However, details regarding the specific enhancements in the Block II upgrade remain undisclosed, with Diehl stating that the missile will be continuously improved to set new benchmarks in its air-to-air capabilities.

Overview of the IRIS-T System

The IRIS-T missile is a European short-range air-to-air weapon, initially developed in collaboration among Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. With its seeker-assisted radar proximity fuze and large warhead, the IRIS-T offers significant anti-missile capabilities. It is designed to engage enemy fighter jets and intercept both air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, serving as a successor to the US AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, and has been in production since 2005, with over 5,000 units delivered to date.

The missile has been integrated into various fighter aircraft, including the Swedish Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as multiple US platforms such as the F-5E, F-16, and EF-18, in addition to South Korea’s KF-21.

Broader Applications in Defense Systems

The IRIS-T family also includes the IRIS-T SL (surface-launched) missile, tailored for Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) systems, which has become a vital component of Ukraine’s air defense efforts. Currently, Germany has delivered a total of 11 IRIS-T platforms across short-range (SLS) and medium-range (SLM) types as part of its military aid.

As reported previously, Germany is set to receive deliveries later this year as part of its acquisition of six IRIS-T SLM fire units.

Future Developments

At the recent Berlin Airshow, Diehl showcased an in-development addition to the IRIS-T family, promising to enhance coverage with ranges of up to 80 km. This advancement reflects Diehl’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technologies and capabilities to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare.

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