Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence Partner on Naval Air Defense Systems

Lockheed Martin signed a cooperation agreement with German defense manufacturer Diehl Defence on Tuesday. The two companies plan to merge their maritime air defense technologies for naval vessels.

The partnership was formalized at the Berlin Security Conference through a Memorandum of Understanding. Diehl brings its IRIS-T guided missile systems and ground-based air defense capabilities. Lockheed contributes its Aegis Weapon System and MK41 Vertical Launch System.

As reported by industry sources, a Diehl spokesperson told Breaking Defense the agreement represents a starting point. Both companies are currently mapping out their next moves. The spokesperson confirmed they are examining two separate initial projects but declined to share specifics.

"We are addressing a significant market of several potential customers," the spokesperson said.

Dennis Goge runs Lockheed's European operations as Chief Executive and Vice President. He called the arrangement beneficial for both sides.

"I would argue for Diehl to get into the Aegis Weapon System and into the Mk41 and Mk70 vertical launchers, that's a big deal for them," Goge explained. "On the other hand, it's good for us, because we diversify the portfolio there."

Germany's military could become an early customer. The German Navy already uses IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missiles on its F125 frigates, like the Baden-Württemberg. Goge pointed to this existing integration as a logical foundation.

"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," he said. "So clearly, that is a vision, that is crystal clear and makes a lot of sense."

Helmut Rauch leads Diehl Defence as CEO and signed the agreement alongside Chandra Marshall, a Vice President at Lockheed Martin.

Rauch said navies worldwide will benefit from combining both companies' expertise. He expressed pride in deepening collaboration with Lockheed Martin on guided missiles and air defense applications.

Marshall emphasized that the partnership demonstrates scalability and increased capacity. She said their programs deliver next-generation integrated air and missile defense capability for 21st-century security needs globally.

The US recently approved $3.2 billion in missile sales to Germany. That deal could create additional opportunities for the Lockheed-Diehl partnership as Germany modernizes its naval air defense capabilities.