Thailand Signs IRIS-T Missile Support Contract With Diehl Defence

The Royal Thai Air Force has signed a support contract with German weapon manufacturer Diehl Defence to enhance the operational capabilities of the IRIS-T missile across its fleet.

Under the deal, Diehl will provide integration support, technical logistic support, and live firing support for Thailand’s Gripen, F-16, and F-5 aircraft, which currently deploy the IRIS-T missile. 

The Royal Thai Air Force signed a support contract with #DiehlDefence with respect to the IRIS-T short-range #missile system. #irist #defenceindustry
Read the full press release here: https://t.co/f5LpJibz67 pic.twitter.com/NClRVCqAiU

— Diehl Defence (@DiehlDefence) October 16, 2024

IRIS-T Guided Missile

The IRIS-T was jointly developed by Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Spain, with Germany as the lead.

Since its production in 2005, the short-range air-to-air missile has been used on the Eurofighter, F-16, EF-18, Tornado, and Gripen fighters.

Each missile is 2,936 millimeters (115.5 inches) long and 127 millimeters (5 inches) in diameter, with a maximum range of 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). 

It is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker with high resolution and a proximity fuze sensor for accurate target detection and flare suppression.

Through its solid propellant motor and thrust-vector control, the missile can engage targets in any direction.

In June, Diehl Defence announced its plans to double its production of the IRIS-T air defense system to cope with increasing global demand, particularly amid threats from Russia.