Diehl Defence has signed multiple contracts with BAAINBw to supply IRIS-T missiles, strengthening Germany’s air-to-air and ground-based air defence capabilities.

Strengthening air defence Contracts for IRIS-T Guided Missiles Signed with BAAINBw

2026-02-10 Source: Press release Diehl Defence 2 min Reading Time

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Diehl Defence has signed multiple contracts with BAAINBw to supply IRIS-T missiles, strengthening Germany’s air-to-air and ground-based air defence capabilities.

IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS—Modular ground-based air-defence systems for protection of objects, areas and mobile troops(Image: Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG) — IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS—Modular ground-based air-defence systems for protection of objects, areas and mobile troops
(Image: Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG)

At the turn of the year, Diehl Defence, leading supplier of guided missiles, ground-based air defence systems, ammunition as well as further defence products, and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed several contracts for the procurement or subsequent procurement of missiles of the IRIS-T family for the German Armed Forces.

The contracts cover guided missiles for the short and medium range, both for air-to-air applications (IRIS-T) and for ground-based air defence (IRIS-T SLS, IRIS-T SLM). The constructive cooperation between Diehl Defence and the BAAINBw in the preparation and handling of the contract negotiations was an important prerequisite for the smooth procurement of these high-tech products, which are in great demand.

A decisive advantage for the use of missiles from the IRIS-T family results from the multi-role capability of the IRIS-T guided missile, which can be used both as a superior air-to-air armament on fighter aircraft and in the surface-to-air variant as part of an air defence system and thus represents an effective and costefficient solution for the setup of an air defence system.

IRIS-T SLS covers the so-called SHORAD layer for short and very short ranges. The system uses the standard IRIS-T air-to-air missile in an unchanged way. The highly agile guided missiles offer soldiers and infrastructure real 360° protection against cruise missiles, attacks from aircraft and armored combat helicopters as well as against drones of various classes. The IRIS-T SLM system, which covers the MRAD layer, is designed to counter threats with an effective range of up to 60 km (approx. 37 miles) and an altitude of 20 km (approx. 12 miles).

Rheinmetall’s Hermelin: a lightweight hybrid vehicle that can also be operated remotely. (Source: Rheinmetall AG)

By now, the IRIS-T family comprises 21 user countries: They have already procured or commissioned the procurement of the air-to-air guided missile IRIS-T or one of Diehl Defence's IRIS-T GBAD systems and thus rely on the outstanding performance of IRIS-T based products.

Diehl Defence is expanding its capacities across all locations in order to meet the increased demand of its national and international customers and to strengthen its ability to deliver. The investment sum for this amounts to around 1.5 billion euros (approx. 1.8 billion USD) company-wide.

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