Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, and Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), executed a framework contract on December 20 for the acquisition of over 1,200 IRIS-T guided missiles on behalf of Germany. The contract was realised in the shortest possible by the IRIS-T Project Management Office (PMO), situated within BAAINBw, to satisfy the supplementary requirements of Germany, the longstanding leader of the IRIS-T consortium.
IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled) is Europe’s most sophisticated short-range air-to-air missile, writes Diehl Defence in its release. It was designed and manufactured in collaboration with industry consortium partners from Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, Norway, and Austria under the direction of Diehl Defence. The IRIS-T project exemplifies the exceptional advancements that the European defence industry can produce and is a testament to the capacity for European cooperation in the defence sector, adds the release. The release also states that, as a member of the IRIS-T 6 nations development consortium, Germany is a competent partner currently and will persist in assuming a prominent position in the missile’s ongoing development.
The air forces of twelve nations use IRIS-T due to its exceptional capabilities. Since its inception in 2005, the delivery of over 5,000 guided missiles has been documented. IRIS-T is an integral component of the Eurofighter/Typhoon standard armament and is incorporated into the F-16, Gripen, Tornado, EF-18, KF-21, F-5E, FA50, and IAR-99 platforms. In addition to hostile fighter aircraft, surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles are also susceptible to engagement. The pilot can repel rear-attacks while maintaining the aircraft’s intended course effectively. The fundamental missile undergoes gradual enhancements and will persist in establishing standards with new functionalities within its initial air-to-air function. Thus, the six-nation development consortium guarantees the long-term viability of IRIS-T, adds the release.
