RTX’s Raytheon and Diehl Defence have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to co-produce key elements of the Stinger® missile in Europe. This partnership aims to expand production capacity within Europe to meet historically high global demand for the Stinger missile, a lightweight, combat-proven, and self-contained surface-to-air missile system used against cruise missiles and aircraft. This milestone supports Diehl Defence’s growth plan and leverages its expertise in ground-based air defense systems. Diehl is exploring options to increase production capacity across existing and potential new facilities, synchronizing with Raytheon’s continuous upgrades that enhance missile guidance and control systems for operational superiority.
The Stinger missile is widely deployed, serving as the preferred short-range air defense system for 24 countries, including Germany and nine other NATO members. These European users include Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, Sweden, Norway, and others. Recent contract orders point to roughly 940 Stinger missiles procured collectively by Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands to replenish stocks supplied to Ukraine, alongside existing inventories and refurbished missiles pushed back into service. Taking into account European NATO members and other users, it is estimated that several thousand Stinger missile systems are currently in operation across Europe.
Diehl Defence, headquartered in Überlingen, Germany, is a significant player in the European defense sector, specializing in guided missiles, ammunition, and air defense systems with around 5,000 employees and annual sales exceeding 2 billion euros. The company has a robust track record in missile technology, including infrared homing systems used for air-to-air missile projects. The co-production agreement with Raytheon marks a strategic extension of Diehl’s role in European defense manufacturing, enhancing local production autonomy and reinforcing supply chain resilience amid rising global threats.
This collaboration represents a significant step for Diehl and the broader European defense industry. It underlines growing trends toward greater self-reliance and industrial integration within Europe’s defense sector, fostering economies of scale, cost efficiencies, and interoperability among allied nations. The move reflects European-wide efforts to boost defense production capacity in response to geopolitical challenges and to reduce dependency on non-European suppliers. For Diehl, the deal not only strengthens its market position but also aligns with the EU’s strategic priorities of defense readiness and technological sovereignty, potentially catalyzing further investment and innovation in European missile systems and air defense capabilities.
The Raytheon-Diehl partnership for Stinger missile co-production is poised to boost European missile production, enhance military readiness among NATO allies, and solidify Diehl Defence’s role as a cornerstone of European defense manufacturing in the years ahead. This joint effort exemplifies the evolving landscape of defense collaboration focused on ensuring security through strengthened industrial capabilities in Europe.
