Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to explore expanding integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) capabilities for partner nations globally. The agreement focuses on integrating the IRIS-T missile family into Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Weapon System, as well as the MK41 and MK70 Vertical Launching Systems. If successful, this would mark the first time a European missile is incorporated into the Aegis combat system.
Chandra Marshall, vice president at Lockheed Martin, stated: “This strategic collaboration continues to showcase the scalability and increased capacity of our programs, which bring next‑generation IAMD capability and 21st century security worldwide. We have partnered with German industry for more than five decades, and we are proud to deepen our relationships by working with leading innovators such as Diehl Defence.”
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, added: “With Diehl Defence and Lockheed Martin linking up their expertise and capabilities, navies around the globe can benefit from the optimum for air defence systems on their surface combat vessels. We are proud to intensify our collaboration with Lockheed Martin in the field of guided missiles and the air defence applications.”
The companies emphasized that global industrial partnerships like this one help create jobs and investment in supply chains worldwide, contributing to local security while strengthening economies and industries.
Lockheed Martin describes itself as a global defense technology company focused on innovation and advancing scientific discovery through its all-domain mission solutions.
