Diehl and Northrop collaborate on layered air defence system
The IRIS-T SLM is a surface-to-air guided missile installed with an enhanced rocket motor for extended range. (Photo: Diehl Defence)
Diehl Defence and Northrop Grumman have joined forces to explore the potential synergy between their technologies, aiming to bolster European air defence capabilities.
Diehl Defence and Northrop Grumman have signed an MoU to explore the possibility of connecting Diehl’s IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence systems (GBAD) with Northrop’s Integrated Battle Command Systems (IBCS).
Under the agreement, the partners will research the potential common applications of the two systems for Germany and other European countries as well if interest was shown, the companies said.
The IBCS programme was designed to connect various US Army sensors and weapons into a single control system. This could help create a fully integrated network, allowing different assets on the battlefield to share fire control data easily.
The system can also improve the ability of combatant commanders and air defenders to make critical decisions using real time data.
The IRIS-T SLM is a surface-to-air guided missile installed with an enhanced rocket motor for extended range. It was developed for German Tactical Air Defence and can be launched from a multi-function container, providing 360-degree protection against aircraft, helicopters, drones and missiles.
It could be integrated into various existing and future air defence systems through connection to fire control systems via standardised and software-based interfaces.
“The possible integration of IBCS with GBAD systems from Diehl Defence would offer European users compatibility with additional GBAD systems,” Diehl said. “Integration with IBCS would also support the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) as interoperability between different capabilities from several nations is increased.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request]()
Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare
The Australian government’s 2026 National Defence Strategy has unveiled a major spending uplift planned for the Royal Australian Air Force, focused on upgrading its air combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as upping investment in uncrewed aerial systems.
-
![What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?]()
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
-
![Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?]()
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
-
![Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation]()
Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation
While Denmark appears to be more committed to UAVs than most of its Nordic neighbours, its procurement efforts are likely to be split between American-made systems for its larger requirements and Nordic partnerships for smaller platforms.
