Diehl Defence and AEL Sistemas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Brasília on Friday regarding their cooperation on Brazil’s medium- and extended-range ground-based air defence (GBAD) programs. The MoU reaffirms the long-standing strategic partnership between the two companies and is an important element for a joint commitment to the further development of Brazil’s air defense capabilities. Diehl Defence acts as the prime contractor for the IRIS-T SLM air defense systems for medium-range and, in the future, the IRIS-T SLX system for extended-range. As the national partner, AEL Sistemas is responsible for integrating Brazilian technology components — Brazilian Link BR2 tactical data link — as well as providing logistical support within the country. The MoU strengthens ongoing projects, e.g. the delivery of IRIS-T as the standard armament for the F-39 Gripen fighter jets to the Brazilian Air Force.
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, said: “Brazil is a strategically important market for Diehl Defence in South America. In AEL Sistemas, we have a partner that knows and understands the requirements of the country’s armed forces. Our long-standing cooperation combines the combat-proven performance of the IRIS-T guided missile and of IRIS-T SLM with Brazilian integration expertise. This also allows us to establish the industrial basis for the IRIS-T SLX system — which is the basis for a sovereign and sustainable air defense solution for Brazil.”
It also builds on the long-standing collaboration between the two companies for the planned integration of IRIS-T into the Brazilian F-5 fleet. The existing cooperation within the IRIS-T programs thus creates a systems foundation from which the Brazilian GBAD program will benefit. The signing took place during a delegation visit through South America by business representatives led by German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Johann Wadephul. The MoU thus also serves as evidence of the intensified German-Brazilian cooperation agenda. During government consultations in Hanover in April 2026, under German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, both countries had agreed on a memorandum of understanding regarding their cooperation in the procurement of defense equipment and related activities. In doing so, they have laid an essential foundation for deeper cooperation in the security and defense sectors of both countries.
The IRIS-T (infrared imaging system tail/thrust vector-controlled) is a short range infrared homing air-to-air missile. It is also called AIM-2000. The missile also has other variants, including the surface-to-air-launched IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM and their derivatives. Two variants and their derivatives are at the moment in service. Those two variants are IRIS-T SLS and the IRIS-T SLM, respectively Surface Launched Short range and Surface Launched Medium range. The missile was developed in the late 1990s–early 2000s by a German-led program to produce a short to medium range infrared homing air-to-air missile to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder in use by some NATO member countries at the time. An IRIS-T SLM air defence system consists of a tactical operation center, a logistic support unit, several radar units, and 3 or 4 missile trucks. The IRIS-T SLM can be integrated with a variety of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) guidance systems and AESA radars, such as Hensoldt TRML-4D, Thales Ground Master 200 MM/C, CEA CEAFAR, and Saab Giraffe 4A.
