DIEHL signs IRIS-T Block II development contract with 4 NATO members

Diehl Defence has been awarded a significant contract for the development and series production of the IRIS-T Block II missile system, marking an important milestone in the ongoing evolution of the IRIS-T program. Signed at the end of December 2024, the contract involves the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) on behalf of a four-nation consortium, including 4 NATO members: Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

The IRIS-T Block II program will see continued development and improvement of the missile system, with an emphasis on enhancing its capabilities in the air-to-air role. While specific details regarding the Block II upgrade remain undisclosed, Diehl Defence confirmed that the missile will incorporate new advancements to further strengthen its performance. The missile has already been a significant asset to the air forces of 13 nations, with more than 5,000 units delivered since its introduction in 2005.

The IRIS-T missile is a short-range air-to-air missile developed by Diehl Defence in cooperation with industrial partners from Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Norway. Notably, it has been integrated onto a wide variety of fighter platforms, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Swedish Gripen, and US F-16, as well as South Korea's KF-21, among others. The missile is designed to counter both enemy aircraft and incoming air-to-air or surface-to-air missiles, with its advanced seeker and proximity fuze providing superior anti-missile capabilities.

With the IRIS-T Block II development contract in place, Diehl Defence will continue to lead the missile’s advancement, ensuring its place at the forefront of European defense innovation. The collaboration between Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden exemplifies the strength of European defense partnerships and highlights the capability of European industry in developing cutting-edge technologies.

DIEHL's IRIS-T family has already proven its value in operational theaters worldwide, including its role in Ukraine’s air defense, where the surface-launched variants IRIS-T SL and IRIS-T SLM are integral to the nation’s Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) systems. As the missile system progresses through its next stage of development, it is expected to set new benchmarks in the air defense sector.

While details on the contract’s financial value and delivery timelines remain under wraps, the IRIS-T Block II marks a vital step towards strengthening the operational capabilities of the missile, securing its future for years to come.