Diehl Defence Unveils Groundbreaking UAV-Carried Air-to-Air Missile System

German defense firm Diehl Defence has publicly showcased an innovative unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based air defense system, marking a significant advancement in aerial combat capabilities. Dubbed “Cobra 600,” the system integrates a jet-powered UAV platform with the renowned IRIS-T air-to-air missile, which is already a cornerstone of short-range air defense and aerial engagements.

The Cobra 600 program, officially known as the Air-Launched and Attack System (AirLAS), was initiated last year and made its debut at the ILA Berlin aviation exhibition. The core concept behind the Cobra 600 is its function as a “missile taxi,” enabling the UAV to transport the IRIS-T missile over considerable distances before launch. Missile integration is achieved via a standard pylon, similar to those utilized on Eurofighter combat aircraft.

The UAV platform itself is supplied by Polaris Raumflugzeuge, another German aerospace startup. It features a distinctive modified flying-wing-like design, characterized by vertical stabilizers positioned at its wingtips. The exhibition model is propelled by a pair of JetCat-P1000-PRO turbojet engines, each capable of generating up to 20 pounds (approximately 9 kg) of thrust. Intriguingly, the UAV also possesses air intake openings for two additional engines, suggesting potential for carrying heavier payloads in future configurations.

With the IRIS-T missile integrated, the Cobra 600 boasts an impressive operational range of approximately 400 kilometers. This significantly extends the engagement envelope for the IRIS-T, which typically has ranges of about 40 km for the ground-launched IRIS-T SLM variant and 13 km for the IRIS-T SLS. This extended reach grants the Cobra 600 distinct tactical advantages, such as the ability to patrol designated areas, conduct prolonged combat air patrols (CAPs) to protect specific sectors, and patiently await the emergence of threats.

However, in its current configuration, the Cobra 600 lacks dedicated onboard sensors for target detection, relying solely on the imaging infrared seeker head integrated into the standard IRIS-T missile for target acquisition. This development by Diehl Defence follows reports from Russia alleging the integration of short-range air-to-air missiles, such as the R-60, onto Geran-2 (Shahed-136) kamikaze UAVs, as widely circulated on social media.

---

Disclaimer: This content has been aggregated and reported by our automated systems.