Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, and Chandra Marshall, vice president at Lockheed Martin, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Berlin Security Conference (BSC) to examine how both companies could integrate their air defense systems for surface combat vessels operated by navies worldwide. The agreement centers on assessing combined capabilities to support future international surface combat vessel programs.
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, said: “With Diehl Defence and Lockheed Martin linking up their expertise and capabilities, navies around the globe can benefit from the optimum for air defense 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 defense applications.”
“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.”, said Chandra Marshall, vice president at Lockheed Martin. “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.”
Diehl Defence supplies air defense systems, and Lockheed Martin brings experience with the Aegis Weapon System and related integrated air and missile defense technologies. The combined systems can help navies defend their fleets against air threats.
Following the MoU, both companies will study how missiles of the IRIS-T family could be integrated into the Aegis Weapon System and the MK 41 vertical launching system.
Diehl Defence and Lockheed Martin have worked together on several projects. In a recent move, the companies signed a MoU to support the global supply for Patriot system missiles. The work will be expanded through the maritime air defense project.
Source: Diehl Defence
About Diehl Defence
Diehl Defence, headquartered in Überlingen, Germany, is a division of the Diehl Group that develops and produces guided missiles, air defense systems, ammunition and sensor technology for military and government customers. Formed in 2004, the division builds on decades of experience from predecessor companies. In 2024, Diehl Defence reported sales of about €1.83B and employed about 4,600 people. Its portfolio includes the IRIS-T missile, air defense solutions, precision-guided munitions, training systems and support services. The company serves armed forces in Europe and worldwide and operates under internationally recognized quality, environmental and security standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and NATO AQAP. Diehl Defence maintains research, development and production facilities in Germany, with its main offices in Überlingen.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, MD, is an aerospace, defense, security, and technology company formed in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corp. and Martin Marietta. It serves the military and space sectors, including aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems, and space programs such as the F-35 fighter jet, Patriot and THAAD defense systems, and the Orion spacecraft. As of 2024, the company employs about 121,000 people and operates worldwide.