Single source product 2026-10-14
Lockheed Martin is exploring production of PAC-3 interceptors in Germany, likely in partnership with Diehl Defence, to meet European and Ukrainian demand. A company executive confirmed the option at AUSA 2026. The move follows Germany's $1.15 billion Tomahawk order and would establish a second Western production line for the missile.
Why it matters: A German PAC-3 line would cut European dependence on U.S. deliveries and bypass the backlog that has delayed Poland's order — a visible test of Washington's appetite for allied production sharing on a premium interceptor.
Single source test 2026-10-14
The German Air Force conducted the first live firing of its IRIS-T SLM air-defense system at the NATO Missile Firing Installation in Crete, completing operational certification required before the system can be deployed. Air Defence Missile Group 61 conducted the test. Diehl Defence, the manufacturer, confirmed the successful engagement. The system is now cleared for operational use.
Single source procurement notice 2026-10-12
Germany's Bundeswehr is preparing a larger-scale procurement of Diehl Defence's GARMR counter-drone systems, Hartpunkt reports citing informed sources. An initial small batch on a Mercedes-Benz G platform will be acquired for qualification purposes below the €25 million parliamentary threshold, with a larger order to follow.
Corroborated contract 2026-10-01
Diehl Defence will adapt the land-based IRIS-T SLM air-defense system for installation aboard the Navy's five F125 frigates, building prototypes and conducting live-fire testing. The move addresses a persistent gap: the F125s entered service without medium-range air defense. IRIS-T SLM has proven itself in Ukrainian service; naval integration will be more complex.
Why it matters: Germany is retrofitting a class that should never have sailed without layered air defense — better late than never, but hardly a model procurement.
Corroborated test 2026-09-14
Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems completed a live demonstration of the Skystriker loitering munition in early September, following a cooperation agreement signed at ILA Berlin in June. The test focused on the system's range and hand-over functionality, allowing target handoff between operators. No details on the customer or procurement timeline were disclosed.
Single source test 2026-08-31
The HYDEF programme to develop a European effector against hypersonic weapons completed its Preliminary Requirements Review on August 26 at Diehl Defence facilities, OCCAR confirmed. The milestone marks the end of the programme's feasibility phase. HYDEF is a multi-nation effort managed by the European defence procurement agency OCCAR, with Diehl Defence among the participating firms. No technical specifications or deployment timeline were published.
Single source test 2026-08-24
German aerospace startup Polaris Raumflugzeuge announced that its Cobra 600 prototype has completed its first flight. The jet-powered uncrewed aircraft is designed to carry and launch a Diehl Defense IRIS-T air-to-air missile. Polaris unveiled the concept at ILA Berlin earlier this year and has now demonstrated flight ahead of weapons integration.
Why it matters: A working jet drone that launches IRIS-T moves loitering air defence from PowerPoint to flight test—Polaris is now ahead of most European interceptor-drone programs on propulsion alone.
Corroborated test 2026-08-21
German aerospace startup POLARIS Spaceplanes has completed the first flight of its COBRA unmanned missile-carrier prototype, flying more than 20 km over the Baltic Sea. The aircraft, developed in cooperation with Diehl Defence, is designed to carry IRIS-T air-to-air missiles. Additional test flights are planned in coming months.