Diehl Defence and BAE Systems have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop integrated maritime defense solutions, with an initial focus on combining Diehl Defence's 127 mm guided ammunition with BAE Systems' Mk 45 naval gun and exploring the integration of the IRIS-T missile family into the company's naval launching systems.
Diehl Defence and BAE Systems are expanding their cooperation in the naval domain through a new memorandum of understanding aimed at developing integrated maritime defense capabilities for Germany and international customers.
The partnership will initially focus on integrating Diehl Defence's 127 mm (5-inch) precision-guided, long-range ammunition family with BAE Systems' Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, one of the most widely deployed 5-inch naval gun systems. The companies will work together to advance the technical integration of the ammunition and gun system for domestic and export markets.
In addition to naval gun capabilities, the companies will explore the potential integration of Diehl Defence's IRIS-T family of guided missiles into BAE Systems' portfolio of naval launching systems, broadening their collaboration across maritime air defense technologies.
According to Diehl Defence, the cooperation is intended to combine the companies' expertise to deliver integrated solutions tailored to evolving naval operational requirements.
"By working together to explore these technical synergies, we can develop customized solutions for our customers' complex maritime defense requirements," said Dr. Harald Buschek, Chief Program Officer at Diehl Defence.
"By combining our systems with BAE Systems' platforms, we can enhance the effectiveness and operational capability of maritime defense systems."
Jason Casciotti, vice president of Weapons Systems at BAE Systems, said the collaboration reinforces the company's commitment to supporting allied defense capabilities through partnerships with local industry.
The Mk 45 Mod 4 is BAE Systems' latest 127 mm naval gun variant, designed to provide naval surface fire support, anti-surface warfare, and air defense capabilities. The new collaboration seeks to enhance the system's capabilities through the integration of Diehl Defence's precision-guided ammunition while also evaluating future opportunities in naval missile systems.
