Diehl Defence

What Diehl Defence does

Diehl Defence is the defense and security division of Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, a privately held German industrial foundation established in 1902 and headquartered in Nürnberg. The division develops and manufactures surface-to-air missile systems, guided weapons, loitering munitions, and unmanned platforms, with the IRIS-T family — spanning short-range SLS, medium-range SLM (≈40 km/20 km coverage), and extended-range SLX (≈80 km) variants — as its core product line. Additional offerings include the jointly developed Rolling Airframe Missile for naval point defense, the Cobra 600 drone-based air defense system developed with Polaris Raumflugzeuge, the Ziesel unmanned ground vehicle with the PLATON autonomy kit, the Hussar loitering munition revived through a Safran partnership, and the HYDEF2 hypersonic interceptor consortium with Spanish SMS. Production capacity has been scaled tenfold since 2021, supported by a committed €1 billion-plus capital expenditure program and a planned additional €1.5 billion expansion including a new Nonnweiler facility, targeting up to 2,000 IRIS-T missiles and 16 firing units annually.

The division sells exclusively to government defense ministries and armed forces through direct enterprise sales, participation in multinational procurement frameworks such as the European Sky Shield Initiative, and major defense exhibitions (ILA Berlin, Eurosatory). Revenue is generated through multi-year procurement contracts covering initial system sales, spare parts, maintenance, and logistics support packages; pricing is not publicly disclosed. IRIS-T-based systems are operational in 21 countries and approximately 13 NATO air forces, with combat-validated performance in Ukraine since 2022 driving repeat and new orders from Germany, Sweden, Greece, Slovenia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Switzerland, and others. Strategic positioning is reinforced by a dense partnership ecosystem spanning Airbus (integrated air and missile defense battle lab), Lockheed Martin (Aegis/MK41 integration), Hensoldt (software-defined radar), Raytheon (Stinger co-production), Indra (Spanish Armed Forces), Elbit (SkyStriker), Spire Global (space-based early warning), and Team Gen 6 (next-generation European fighter).

Within the broader Diehl Group, which reported €4.696 billion in 2024 sales and 18,680 employees across Metall, Controls, Defence, Aviation, and Metering divisions, Diehl Defence functions as the high-growth defense vertical, complemented by the November 2024 acquisition of Dynamit Nobel Defence. The division's competitive position is anchored by combat-proven hardware, regulatory access to EU and NATO procurement frameworks, integrated system architecture combining proprietary missiles with partner radars and C2, and a capital base funded by the Diehl foundation rather than external capital markets.

Name

Diehl Defence

Legal name

Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG

Website

https://diehl.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1902

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Diehl Defence is the defense division of German family-owned industrial group Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, manufacturing the IRIS-T air defense missile family, naval Rolling Airframe Missiles, loitering munitions, and unmanned platforms for sale exclusively to NATO and allied government defense ministries across 21+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Air Defense Systems

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Ordnance & Accessories, (No Vehicles/Guided Missiles) (3480)

akta.pro primary industry

Tactical & Strategic Missile Systems (IMABAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Air Defense Missiles & Interceptors (IMABAHAD), Radar Systems & Subsystems (Airborne, Ground, Naval) (IMABAGAA), Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH)

Keywords

• Air defense systems
• Surface-to-air missiles
• Naval defense missiles
• Unmanned ground vehicles
• Loitering munitions

Headquarters

HQ city

Überlingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Systems and Missiles Sales: Diehl Defence generates primary revenue through the sale of military defense systems including IRIS-T air defense systems, missiles, and related components to government defense ministries and armed forces. Revenue is derived from initial system sales, spare parts, maintenance, and logistics support packages. The company operates on a project-based model with multi-year procurement contracts.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Diehl Defence manufactures and supplies missile-based air defense systems, loitering munitions, and unmanned ground vehicles for military customers. Flagship offerings include the IRIS-T family of surface-to-air missiles (IRIS-T SLS for very short range, IRIS-T SLM for medium range, and IRIS-T SLX for extended range) and the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) for naval point defense, complemented by the Cobra 600 loitering munition and the Ziesel family of robotic ground vehicles.

Product overview

Diehl Defence combines the Diehl Group's defense and security activities as a key partner of German and international armed forces. The product portfolio centers on the IRIS-T family of air defense systems (spanning SLS short-range, SLM medium-range with ~40km/20km specs, and SLX extended-range variants at 80km), the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) for naval point defense, and the Cobra 600 drone-based air defense platform. The company also produces the Ziesel unmanned ground vehicle with PLATON autonomy kit, and is expanding into loitering munitions (Hussar via Safran partnership, SkyStriker via Elbit partnership) and hypersonic defense through the HYDEF consortium. Strategic partnerships include Airbus for integrated air and missile defense, Spire Global for satellite-based missile warning, Lockheed Martin for Aegis/MK41 naval integration, and Hensoldt for software-defined radar systems. The company operates under the broader Diehl Group (established 1902, ~18,700 employees, €4.7 billion sales in 2024) and has invested €1 billion+ in expanding IRIS-T production capacity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IRIS-T SLS Very short-range surface-to-air missile system derived from the combat-proven IRIS-T air-to-air missile, intended for ground-based air defense of point and high-value assets against rockets, artillery, mortars, and unmanned aerial systems. Customers are national armed forces and air defense units.
• IRIS-T SLM Medium-range ground-based air defense system built on the IRIS-T missile family, providing wider engagement envelopes for defending larger areas, military installations, and population centers against aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
• IRIS-T SLX Extended-range surface-to-air missile system in the IRIS-T family, designed to engage higher-altitude and longer-range aerial threats as part of a layered air defense architecture for national and territorial defense.
• Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) Ship-launched point defense missile co-developed with Raytheon, providing navies with terminal defense against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and fast surface threats using passive radar/infrared guidance.
• Cobra 600 Loitering munition designed for the beyond-line-of-sight engagement of land and maritime targets, providing armed forces with a flexible precision-strike and ISR-enabled effector for use by land and naval forces.
• Ziesel Unmanned Ground Vehicle Tracked unmanned ground vehicle used by armed forces for logistics support, reconnaissance, and force protection missions, designed to be optionally operated in autonomous mode using the PLATON autonomy kit.
• Hussar Autonomous Platform Autonomous platform supporting multi-domain operations, including reconnaissance, logistics resupply, and the carriage of effectors, intended for use by land forces and special operations.
• HYDEF Hypersonic Defense Program Research and development program focused on hypersonic defense concepts and interceptor technologies, conducted as part of multinational efforts to address hypersonic missile threats and contributed to by Diehl Defence's missile and systems expertise.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tenfold increase in IRIS-T production since 2021
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability2 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SafrancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 June 2026Safran and Diehl Defence signed a cooperation agreement at Eurosatory 2026 to revive the Hussar loitering munition program, seven years after it was first unveiled. The autonomous air-to-ground weapon leverages combined expertise and production capabilities of both companies to accelerate delivery and strengthen European strategic autonomy in defense technology.
• Sistemas de Misiles de España (SMS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026Diehl Defence and Spanish company SMS signed MoU to form consortium for developing hypersonic interceptor capable of countering hypersonic threats. Continuation of HYDEF project with plans to lead HYDEF2 project for operational readiness against complex threats aligned with NATO and EU objectives.
• Elbit Systems (Israel)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Elbit Systems and Diehl Defence formed strategic partnership to jointly offer SkyStriker loitering munition to German Armed Forces. Partnership includes plans for local manufacturing, assembly, integration, and qualification activities in Germany if awarded relevant programs.
• Team Gen 6 ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Diehl is part of 'Team Gen 6' consortium (Airbus, Autofug, Hensoldt, Liebherr, MBDA Germany, MTU Aero Engines, Rohde & Schwarz) formed after FCAS collapse to develop next-generation European fighter aircraft.
• Spire GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026Spire Global and Diehl Defence signed MoU at ILA Berlin Air Show 2026 to co-develop space-based early warning capabilities designed to track ballistic and hypersonic missile threats for European defense networks. Partnership integrates Spire's LEO satellite constellation with Diehl's ground-based air defense weapons and command centers.
• Airbus Defence and SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026Airbus and Diehl signed agreement at ILA Berlin Air Show 2026 to intensify cooperation in integrated air and missile defence, building on existing IRIS-T SLM partnership. Companies plan to identify product enhancements and potentially establish a joint 'battle lab' development environment.
• BoeingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026Boeing expanded German industrial team at ILA Berlin Air Show with Diehl Defence Land Systems GmbH to support potential MQ-28 Ghost Bat introduction to German Air Force by 2029.
• Polaris RaumflugzeugeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 June 2026Diehl Defence developed Cobra 600 drone-based air defense system with aerospace start-up Polaris Raumflugzeuge. System combines jet-powered drone platform carrying IRIS-T missile to extend range of ground-based air defense.
• Fire Point (Ukraine)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026Ukrainian defense company Fire Point and Diehl Defence signed a technology cooperation agreement combining Fire Point's drone and missile portfolio (FP-1, FP-2, FP-5 Flamingo, and in-testing FP-7 and FP-9 ballistic missiles) with Diehl Defence's IRIS-T air defense systems and production capabilities. Diehl plans to launch production of Flamingo cruise missile in Germany.
• Indra GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 March 2026Diehl Defence and Indra Group signed strategic cooperation agreement to jointly develop and produce air and missile defense systems, with initial focus on medium-range ground-based air defense solution for Spanish Armed Forces.
• Lockheed MartincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 November 2025Lockheed Martin and Diehl Defence signed MoU to expand integrated air and missile defense capabilities globally. Collaboration focuses on integrating IRIS-T family into Aegis Weapon System and Vertical Launching Systems, marking first European missile integrated into the system.
• HENSOLDTcoreTechnology or Integration · 17 June 2025Diehl and HENSOLDT announced intensified cooperation to jointly develop software-defined air defence systems, combining radar technology and missile systems expertise. Partnership focuses on AI-based target detection, sensor data fusion, and automated processes.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights10 records

Direct peers

• MBDA: MBDA is a European missile consortium owned by Airbus, Leonardo, and BAE Systems, producing air defense, anti-ship, and strike missiles. Direct competitor to Diehl Defence across air defense systems, loitering munitions, and missile families; competes for the same ESSI member state procurements.
• Hensoldt: Hensoldt is a German defense electronics and sensor specialist providing radar systems (TRML-4D, Twinvis) integrated with Diehl's IRIS-T SLM. While technically a partner, Hensoldt competes in adjacent air defense sensor and effector integration segments and could expand into effector manufacturing over time.
• Saab: Saab is a Swedish defense company producing air defense systems (Giraffe radar, RBS 70 NG, BAMSE), missiles (RBS 23 BAMSE), and combat aircraft. Sweden is both an IRIS-T customer and a competitor in medium-range air defense; Saab competes directly for European SAM procurements.
• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Kongsberg is a Norwegian defense company producing the NASAMS air defense system (in partnership with Raytheon), Naval Strike Missile, and anti-tank weapons. Direct competitor in medium-range air defense, particularly for Nordic and Eastern European customers overlapping with Diehl's IRIS-T footprint.
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Rafael is an Israeli defense company producing the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Spike anti-tank missile families. Partner with Diehl on Ziesel UGV with Spike LR integration, but competes in short-to-medium range air defense (Iron Dome variants) and loitering munitions. Strong combat-proven pedigree similar to Diehl's IRIS-T.

Broad incumbents

• Rheinmetall: Rheinmetall is Germany's largest defense contractor with a broad portfolio spanning armored vehicles, air defense (Oerlikon Skynex), ammunition, and electronics. Competes with Diehl across air defense (Skynex vs. IRIS-T for short-range) and ammunition, with significantly broader portfolio and public market access.
• Thales: Thales is a French defense electronics and systems company with air defense (Ground Master radar, SAMP/T Mamba), missile (Aster family via Eurosam JV with MBDA), and naval systems. Competes with Diehl in integrated air defense, naval point defense, and is part of the Eurosam joint venture that builds SAMP/T — the closest competitor to IRIS-T SLM in Europe.
• Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin is the US defense prime producing Patriot, PAC-3, Stinger, and integrates the Aegis Weapon System. Direct competitor in long-range air defense (Patriot vs. IRIS-T SLX) and partner for Aegis/MK41 naval integration. MoU with Diehl signals both collaboration and competitive overlap.
• Raytheon (RTX): Raytheon (now RTX) is a US defense prime producing Patriot, Stinger, and is the joint developer of RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) with Diehl. Long-standing partner in RAM but competitor in air defense and short-range SAM segments. Recent MoU extends Stinger production at Diehl facilities.

Emerging players

• Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense electronics and systems company producing Iron Fist APS, SkyStriker loitering munition, and various EW/C4I systems. Recent partnership with Diehl to jointly offer SkyStriker to German Armed Forces, but competes in loitering munitions and unmanned ground vehicle segments where Diehl is investing.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/diehl
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@diehl
• LinkedInde.linkedin.com/company/diehl-group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Diehl Defence