BAAINBw and Diehl Defence sign framework deal on procurement of more than 1,200 IRIS-T missiles

Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has signed a framework agreement with Diehl Defence for the procurement of more than 1,200 IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missiles (AAMs) for the German armed forces, the company announced on 22 December.

The contract, signed on 20 December by BAAINBw President Annette Lehnigk-Emden and Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch, was realised in the shortest possible time by the IRIS-T Project Management Office, which is located within the BAAINBw, in order to meet additional demand for the IRIS-T.

The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled) is claimed by Diehl Defence to be “the world’s most advanced short-range air-to-air missile”. Diehl leads the consortium that developed and produces the missile, in co-operation with industry partners from Sweden, Spain, Italy, Greece, Norway and Austria.

Since its introduction in 2005, more than 5,000 IT IS-T missiles have been delivered to the air forces of 12 nations. The missiles is among the standard armaments of the Eurofighter Typhoon and is integrated onto the F-16, Gripen, Tornado, EF-18, KF-21, F-5E, FA-50 and IAR-99.

Beyond engaging enemy fighters, Diehl noted in its press release that the IRIS-T can also be used to counter hostile air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, with the pilot firing the IRIS-T even able to successfully counter attacks from the aircraft’s rear without having to change course.

The missile will continue to be “incrementally further developed and will continue to set benchmarks with new capabilities”, Diehl added.