Diehl Defence and Greece’s Hellenic Defence Systems have extended their cooperation on the IRIS-T missile program amid growing international demand for both airborne and ground-based air defense solutions.
The renewed partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in Athens, continuing a collaboration that has supported IRIS-T development and manufacturing activities for over 20 years.
Although the agreement did not outline new contracts or production targets, Hellenic Defence Systems remains responsible for producing major assemblies connected to Greece’s role in the multinational IRIS-T consortium, highlighting the country’s longstanding contribution to the program.
Originally introduced as a short-range air-to-air missile under the leadership of Diehl and six European partner nations, the IRIS-T system has since evolved into a broader family of air defense products, including the IRIS-T SLS, SLM, and future SLX variants.
Expansion of the IRIS-T program has accelerated in recent years due to Europe’s defense buildup efforts and the combat deployment of the systems in Ukraine.
Earlier this year, Diehl Defence entered into a strategic partnership with Spain’s Indra Group to co-develop air and missile defense technologies, combining IRIS-T missile expertise with Indra’s capabilities in radar systems, tactical communications, and command-and-control networks.
In January, Diehl revealed plans to increase annual production capacity for IRIS-T launch units to as many as 16 over the next two years. The company also stated that missile manufacturing output has expanded tenfold compared with pre-war levels before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Previously, in November 2025, Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence announced cooperation efforts aimed at enhancing Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities through the Aegis Weapon System, potentially incorporating IRIS-T missiles.
