Diehl Defence and SMS strengthen strategic partnership for HYDEF2

Diehl Defence and Sistemas de Misiles de España (SMS) from Spain have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic framework for cooperation in the development of advanced defence capabilities aimed at countering next-generation endo-atmospheric threats, with a particular focus on hypersonic systems. This agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening European security and enhancing resilience in the face of increasingly complex threats, including maneuverable ballistic missiles and emerging hypersonic systems.

With the MoU, the companies reaffirm their long-standing strategic partnership, built on mutual trust and a common vision for European defence. This collaboration was initiated through the joint preparation of a proposal under the first European Defence Fund (EDF) call (EDF-2021-AIRDEF-D – European Hypersonic Defence Interceptor), in which the HYDEF program was successfully selected in a highly competitive process.

“This partnership underscores our joint commitment to delivering a European cutting-edge solution to address the evolving threat landscape”, said Dr. Harald Buschek, CPO of Diehl Defence.

“The collaboration is expected to mark a significant step toward deeper bilateral cooperation between Germany and Spain, further strengthening interoperability and industrial alignment”, commented Ignacio Bengoechea, President of SMS.

Following their successful cooperation as coordinators of the HYDEF program, which is now approaching completion, Diehl Defence and SMS intend to further expand their collaboration into its next phases. This renewed cooperation provides a framework for close collaboration in the preparation and submission of a joint proposal (HYDEF2) for the upcoming EDF call (EDF-2026-DA-ACC-AIRDEF-EATMI – High-End Endo-Atmospheric Interception).

Based on the agreement, Diehl Defence and SMS will lead the formation of a new consortium for HYDEF2, bringing together leading defence and space companies, particularly in the field of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD).

HYDEF2 will address a joint pre-development phase for the interceptor, with the objective of achieving operational capability against the most demanding threats in the shortest possible timeframe. Special emphasis will be placed during the next phase on addressing the whole weapon system definition as part of an Integrated Air and Missile Defence, aligning with broader NATO and EU objectives to ensure collective security and strategic autonomy in Europe.