DIAMOND decentralises offensive and defensive capabilities by placing modular systems on small wing ships operating with a naval combat frigate. These systems are remotely controlled from the mothership as though they were installed directly on it, while remaining integrated with the frigate’s radar and fire-control systems.
The company said the approach effectively expands the frigate’s operational deck space. It is intended to provide greater firepower, operational flexibility and faster responses to evolving maritime threats.
Boaz Levy, IAI’s chairman of the board, said: “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,” Levy added.
IAI said the wing ships can be rapidly configured according to mission requirements. The modular systems use a standard container footprint and can be deployed, replaced or reconfigured within hours.
The DIAMOND architecture can integrate a range of plug-and-play capabilities, including Harop, Harpy and Mini-Harpy loitering munitions, Blue Spear cruise missiles, LORA ballistic missiles and the BARAK MX air defence interceptor family. The system can also support counter-UAS capabilities and other mission packages.
Guy Barlev, IAI’s executive vice-president and general manager of the Systems, Missiles and Space Group, said: “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,” Barlev added. “This unique, new operational concept transforms how maritime forces project power and defend strategic assets in contested environments.”
The wing ships are intended to increase the number of available interceptors and precision strike systems while extending the frigate’s effective operational footprint. Equipped with long-range air defence and precision strike capabilities against sea and land targets, they are designed to support simultaneous offensive and defensive operations.
IAI said DIAMOND can rapidly switch between mission configurations and adapt to changing operational requirements. The company described the system as an integrated off-the-shelf solution that avoids the need for new warship construction or lengthy integration processes.
According to IAI, DIAMOND is intended to shorten operational timelines, reduce costs and support continuous modernisation as threats evolve. The company said the system offers navies a way to add combat capacity without relying solely on traditional fleet expansion.
