Diehl Defence and Hellenic Defence Systems renew partnership on IRIS-T

Diehl Defence CPO Dr. Harald Buschek and Hellenic Defence Systems (HDS) CEO Christoforos Boutsikakis signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of the German Ambassador in Greece, Andreas Kindl, at the Residence of the Ambassador in Athens on April 30 to further strengthen their partnership. Diehl Defence and HDS look back on more than 20 years of successful cooperation in the development and production of the guided missile IRIS-T.

IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled) is a European short-range air-to-air missile. In its first version, the guided missile was developed and produced under the lead of Diehl Defence in cooperation with industrial consortium partners from six European nations. The IRIS-T project is a prime example of international cooperation in the defence sector and reflects the operational capability of the European defence industry. IRIS-T is now used in its air-to-air application in twelve countries worldwide, and demand is growing. The missile is also the core element of the IRIS-T SLS, SLM and SLX air defence systems for various ranges, which have been further developed from it.

Greece is a member of the IRIS-T developer consortium. As part of the project, HDS has developed and manufactures key main assemblies for the Greek share. The recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding underlines the companies' mutual desire to continue working together in the future and to potentially expand relations in the defence sector.