Airbus Defence and Space and Diehl Defence have signed an agreement to further develop joint capabilities in integrated air and missile defence (IAMD), the companies announced at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2026.
The new accord seeks to “intensify” their cooperation, by leveraging the technical expertise of both firms to advance ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems.
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The partnership builds on a history of collaboration, including the IRIS-T SLM medium-range system, which is intended to protect buildings, infrastructure, and other strategic sites from aerial threats.
In this ongoing cooperative effort, Airbus Defence and Space is responsible for providing command and control (C2) systems, which it describes as “trusted” and “battle-proven,” while Diehl Defence manages system integration and the supply of effectors and launchers.
Under the terms of the latest agreement, the companies plan to identify possibilities for improving existing products and increasing system agility of their products.
One option under consideration is the establishment of a jointly used “battle lab” to facilitate the development of the next generation of solutions.
The companies plan to create a networked defensive shield by integrating advanced C2 systems from Airbus Defence and Space with Diehl Defence’s established effectors.
The initiative aims to address the requirements of both Nato and the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
The Integrated Battle Management System (IBMS) has been developed in cooperation with the German Armed Forces, drawing on many years of experience in C2 and networked defence systems, according to statements from Airbus.
Currently, GBAD systems have been adopted by Germany, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn said: “Airbus continues to shape the future of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) by combining our battle-proven and NATO-certified Command and Control (C2) system with Diehl Defence’s equally proven IRIS-T SLS/SLM family.
“This joint work is both the main enabler and the springboard for further expansion of the successful European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), offering an open architecture for reliable and effective Air Defence solutions for existing and new customers.”
