Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is unveiling DIAMOND – an advanced, hybrid, naval warfare solution designed to enhance the operational capabilities of modern navies through distributed, modular maritime operations.
IAI press release
DIAMOND enables the decentralization and enhancement of offensive and defensive capabilities of naval combat frigates through modular systems installed on small wing-ships operating alongside the mothership. The systems onboard these wing-ships are remotely controlled and operated by the mothership itself, as if they were installed directly on it, while maintaining full integration with its radar and fire control systems and effectively expanding the operational deck space.
Boaz Levy, IAI’s Chairman of Board: “IAI, as a system house for innovation is proud to lead the next generation in maritime defense with the introduction of the DIAMOND solution. Combining modular architecture and enhanced firepower, our new solution represents a fundamental shift in naval warfare that will enable navies to respond to evolving threats in real-time with unprecedented flexibility and operational effectiveness.“
Guy Barlev, IAI’s EVP &GM of Space Missiles and Space Group: “Modern naval warfare is shifting from platform-centric operations to adaptive, networked force structures. DIAMOND was developed to provide navies with the ability to expand combat capacity, survivability and mission endurance without relying on costly fleet expansion programs. This unique, new operational concept transforms how maritime forces project power and defend strategic assets in contested environments.“
The small wing-ships can be rapidly configured according to mission requirements, enabling operational flexibility, rapid deployment and real-time response to evolving maritime threats. The modular systems all come in a standard container footprint and can be deployed, replaced or reconfigured within hours based on operational needs.
DIAMOND integrates a wide range of capabilities in plug-and-play mode, such as loitering munitions such as Harop, Harpy and Mini-Harpy, Blue Spear cruise missiles, LORA ballistic missiles, the BARAK MX family of advanced air defense interceptors, Counter-UAS capabilities and more. The wing-ships significantly increase the number of available interceptors and precision strike systems while extending the effective operational footprint of the frigate. Equipped with long-range air defense and precision strike capabilities against sea and land-based targets, the wing-ships can enable simultaneous offensive and defensive operations, rapidly switching between mission configurations and continuously adapting to changing operational requirements.
DIAMOND solution provides an integrated off-the-shelf solution that eliminates the need for new warship construction or lengthy integration processes. The solution enables rapid deployment, shortens operational timelines, reduces costs and supports continuous modernization in response to emerging threats and evolving mission requirements.
