Sistemas de Misiles de España (SMS) and Diehl Defence (Diehl) have signed, during ILA Berlin 2026, 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 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.
The signing event was also attended by the Lieutenant General Miguel Ivorra, Director General of the Spanish General Directorate for Strategy and Innovation in the Defense Industry (DIGEID), and the German Deputy National Armaments Director, Anke Meyer.
“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.
“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.
During the event, Diehl’s booth at ILA was also visited, among others, by Mr. Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement) —as HYDEF contracting authority—, and the and Air Force General Francisco Braco, Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force of Spain (JEMA), thereby demonstrating the Spanish Air Force’s support for the HYDEF programme.
Following their successful cooperation as coordinators of the HYDEF program, which is now approaching completion, SMS and Diehl Defence 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, SMS and Diehl Defence 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.
About SMS
Sistemas de Misiles de España, S.L. (SMS) is a Spanish company jointly owned by Sener Aeroespacial, Escribano Mechanical & Engineering, GMV, and Instalaza. It was established in 2021 with the aim of consolidating the relevant capabilities and assets in the field of missile systems and other high-performance guided munitions.
SMS seeks to contribute to enhancing the autonomy and strategic sovereignty of the Spanish Armed Forces by bringing together national technological and industrial capabilities through collaboration among the various players in the sector.
About Diehl Defence
As a reliable partner of the German and international armed forces, Diehl Defence is a leading system house for air defence systems. In addition to systems for ground-based air defence, the product portfolio of the company headquartered in Überlingen (Germany) includes guided missiles for all branches of the armed forces, ammunition for army, air force and navy as well as protection systems.
In addition, Diehl Defence develops and produces key components such as infrared modules, fuzes and special batteries. Diehl Defence currently employs around 6,000 people generating annual sales of over 2.5 billion euros.
For more information:
+34 913956355, prensa@sms-defensa.es
David Voskuhl, Vice President Communications & PR, +49 7551 89-6955, pr@diehl-defence.com
