Diehl and HENSOLDT strengthen German air defense with artificial intelligence technologies.

According to information released by the German company Diehl Defence on June 16, 2025, Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT from Germany have agreed to intensify their cooperation in the field of ground-based air defence. Based on jointly developed systems currently in production and available for rapid delivery, the two companies aim to provide high-performance solutions capable of countering modern and emerging aerial threats. These systems are characterized by their software-defined architecture, leveraging advanced technologies to maximize adaptability and operational resilience.
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German Diehl Defence IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system and HENSOLDT TRML 4D radar as currently deployed forming the basis for future upgrades with artificial intelligence technologies to enhance mobility and threat response capabilities. (Picture source: X Account Thomas C. Theiner)

Both companies are addressing a rapidly changing threat landscape. Where traditional air defense once focused primarily on aircraft and helicopters, the current spectrum now includes cruise missiles, supersonic and hypersonic weapons, drones, and increasingly, ballistic missiles. This expanding array of threats demands fast-reacting and highly mobile defense systems. Diehl Defence is pursuing fully automated processes and deploying partially autonomous vehicles to allow rapid repositioning after engagements, which is vital for survival on the modern battlefield. Artificial intelligence is embedded in these systems to enhance environmental awareness and support real-time decision-making through advanced planning algorithms.

The emphasis on speed and automation is a direct response to adversaries' efforts to improve reconnaissance and combat capabilities. As Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch highlighted, timely mobility after a strike can be the key to operational success. The use of AI not only supports this agility but also compensates for personnel limitations by streamlining control and command processes through intelligent systems.

HENSOLDT contributes to the effort with its commitment to software-defined defense technologies, which allow seamless integration of legacy and advanced components, enabling rapid modernization and significant reductions in development timeframes. CEO Oliver Dörre emphasized that the combination of HENSOLDT’s sensor expertise and Diehl Defence’s missile systems sets a new standard in air defense. Their joint development efforts aim to strengthen European defense sovereignty through scalable and interoperable solutions.

The IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-range) is a cutting-edge ground-based air defense system developed by Diehl Defence. It utilizes the IRIS-T missile, originally designed for air-to-air combat, adapted for surface launch to intercept a wide range of aerial threats at medium ranges. The system includes launchers, a command and control unit, and integrates sensors for real-time battlefield awareness. It offers 360-degree defense and can engage multiple targets simultaneously with high precision. Crucially, the system’s modularity allows it to be integrated into national and NATO air defense networks.

Complementing IRIS-T SLM is the TRML-4D fire-control radar developed by HENSOLDT. This advanced radar uses active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology and provides real-time tracking of up to 1,500 targets. It is capable of detecting and identifying a broad array of threats including drones, missiles, and aircraft at various altitudes and speeds. The TRML-4D’s AI-based target recognition capability ensures rapid and accurate threat assessment, essential for modern air defense operations.

The importance of developing new air defense technologies lies in the increasing complexity and velocity of contemporary aerial threats. Traditional systems, while effective against earlier-generation threats, are often inadequate when faced with faster, stealthier, and more unpredictable projectiles. Today’s battlefield requires systems that are not only agile and networked but also capable of autonomous operations and real-time adaptability. By incorporating AI, software-defined architectures, and enhanced sensor fusion, modern air defense solutions like IRIS-T SLM and TRML-4D ensure that armed forces remain capable of defending strategic assets and civilian populations against the full spectrum of airborne attacks.

Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT's renewed partnership marks a significant step in creating next-generation air defense systems. Their unified strategy centers on rapid response, high automation, and digital interoperability, ensuring European forces are equipped to handle the full spectrum of current and future aerial threats.