Diehl Defence and Indra Group have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly develop and produce air and missile defense systems.
This deal marks a fresh effort in European industry to bolster strategic autonomy and respond to rising defense investment across the continent.
Under the agreement, the two companies will initially focus on a medium-range ground-based air defense solution tailored to the Spanish Armed Forces, combining Diehl’s experience with the IRIS-T family of guided missiles and Indra’s expertise in radar systems, tactical communications, and command-and-control.
Both firms said the collaboration draws on Spain’s technological and industrial base, reinforcing local industrial capabilities while supporting broader European defense needs.
Diehl Defence brings to the partnership its portfolio of air defense missiles — including IRIS-T SLS for short ranges and IRIS-T SLM for medium ranges, along with the development of IRIS-T SLX for extended ranges — while Indra contributes radar, communications, and C2 technologies critical in integrating multi-domain air defense architectures.
“We have a responsibility to forge technological and industrial partnerships in Europe to deliver increasingly advanced defense systems to allied armed forces,” Indra Group CEO José Vicente de los Mozos said.
European Defense Partnerships
Similar industrial partnerships across Europe have emerged in recent years as countries seek to pool expertise and expand defense manufacturing capabilities.
In March 2026, German defense firm Rheinmetall finalized its purchase of Spain’s Naval Vessels Lürssen business to create a German systems house for naval shipbuilding and unmanned surface systems. This expands Rheinmetall’s maritime and land defense footprint.
Hanwha Aerospace in February 2026 entered a strategic cooperation with Estonia’s Frankenburg Technologies to co-develop counter-drone systems integrating radar, guided launchers, and fire-control software for next-generation land defense platforms.
In November 2025, Terma Group of Denmark acquired British counter-drone specialist OSL Technology, expanding its anti-drone offerings by integrating radar, AI analytics, and layered defense tools.
