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
-
![UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training]()
UK MoD awards Ascent with eight-year contract to upgrade RAF and Royal Navy flight training
Funding of £300 million will go towards training personnel on the FIRCTS programmes to meet a growing demand for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) platforms.
-
![Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement]()
Airbus, Babcock and CAE partner for Poland helicopter training requirement
Poland first issued a requirement for up to 24 helicopters and associated training systems in January 2024.
-
![Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers]()
Next generation jammers ordered for Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy Growlers
The order includes jammers for Australian EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft follows an order for deployment on US Navy Growlers in December last year and an announcement in March that full-rate production was near.
-
![Uncertainty remains as Trump boasts F-55 and F-22 Super aircraft programmes]()
Uncertainty remains as Trump boasts F-55 and F-22 Super aircraft programmes
While details are light after the President’s comments, the US Air Force (USAF) has long needed to boost its fighter aircraft capabilities, according to USAF and analyst viewpoints.
