Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence have announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing maritime air defense capabilities for surface vessels. The two defense companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 3, 2023, during the Berlin Security Conference. Their collaboration seeks to combine Diehl’s advanced guided missile systems, such as the IRIS-T family, with Lockheed’s integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) solutions, including the Aegis Weapon System and MK41 Vertical Launch System (VLS).
Collaboration Details and Market Potential
According to a Diehl Defence spokesperson, the MoU marks a significant starting point for both companies as they define the next steps in their collaboration. The partnership aims to explore two separate projects to initiate their cooperative efforts, although further specifics were not disclosed. The spokesperson emphasized that the venture addresses a substantial market opportunity, indicating a strong interest in attracting potential naval customers globally.
Lockheed Martin’s Chief Executive for Europe, Dennis Goge, characterized the partnership as a “win-win situation.” He noted the importance of Diehl’s entry into the Aegis Weapon System and vertical launch systems, stating, “That’s a big deal for them.” Goge further explained that diversifying their portfolio through this collaboration benefits Lockheed as well.
Potential Customers and Strategic Benefits
When inquired about potential launch customers for the cooperative projects, Goge pointed to interest from the German military. The German Navy currently utilizes the IRIS-T surface-to-air missiles, integrated on its F125 frigate, the Baden-Württemberg. Goge highlighted that this existing use positions the IRIS-T within the IAMD framework, enhancing interoperability between systems.
“They’re using [IRIS-T] in the [IAMD] environment, all the way through and across the board. So it just makes sense, also from an interoperability point of view,” said Goge.
The MoU was officially signed in Berlin by Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, and Chandra Marshall, Vice President at Lockheed Martin. Rauch noted that this collaboration allows navies worldwide to benefit from advanced air defense systems for their surface vessels, reinforcing the strategic partnership in guided missile and air defense applications.
Marshall further commented on the significance of the collaboration, stating, “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.”
This partnership between Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence is poised to reshape the maritime defense landscape, offering innovative solutions to meet the evolving challenges faced by navies globally.
