Raytheon and Diehl to Jointly Produce Stinger Missile Parts in Europe
Raytheon has signed an agreement with Diehl Defence of Germany to begin joint production of Stinger missile components in Europe.
Under the memorandum of understanding, Diehl will evaluate measures to increase manufacturing capacity for the system, which provides protection against drones, helicopters, and other low-altitude targets.
According to CEO Helmut Rauch, reviving production of the Stinger missile leverages Diehl’s proven expertise and enhances its position in the global ground-based air defense sector.
The Stinger MANPADS, operational since 1981, had been dormant in production until recent conflicts reignited demand. The war in Ukraine, where the US delivered over 3,000 Stingers to Kyiv, and Taiwan’s growing need for air defense amid Chinese military pressure, have both spurred renewed interest.
While the Stinger fleet is being extended through a refurbishment program, its long-term successor, the Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor (NGSRI), is now under development.
