Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) on Thursday revealed its new DIAMOND Concept, which will allow naval fleets to grow and expand their operational capabilities without having to build new ships.
As maritime warfare is a constantly changing arena, and producing new fleets to defend against current threats is costly and does not guarantee long-term relevance, DIAMOND is an option designed to mitigate both cost and risk.
DIAMOND is made up of several modular systems that can be installed on unused deck space of existing ships. The ships would be controlled directly by the central frigate, or "mother ship," they are escorting.
The smaller ships will, however, be able to control their radar and fire control systems.
Because of this, escort vessels can be rapidly adjusted to meet current mission needs, enabling operational flexibility, quick deployment, and real-time response to evolving maritime threats.
Increasing frigate's assets in complex maritime scenarios
Such an ability allows for ships to significantly expand deck space and availability of naval forces “without the need to build new ships,” IAI explained, noting that it will also provide frigates with increased firepower and a faster response time by maneuvering the escort ships.
Further, all the systems are based on a standard container configuration and can be deployed, replaced, or reconfigured “within a matter of hours” if the situation calls for it.
According to IAI, DIAMOND integrates both offensive and defensive systems manufactured by the company, including Harpy, Harop, and Mini-Harpy suicide drones, Blue Spear cruise missiles, LORA ballistic missiles, BARAK MX advanced air defense systems, and anti-drone capabilities.
The presence of the upgraded escorts significantly increases the number of assets available to the frigate - enabling offensive and defensive missions to be carried out simultaneously while also continuing to adapt as situations unfold.
IAI leading innovative military developments
"IAI leads innovative developments and is proud to lead the next generation of naval warfare with the unveiling of DIAMOND, a solution that combines modular architecture, increased firepower, and unprecedented operational flexibility,” said IAI President and CEO Boaz Levy. “The solution will enable navies to effectively contend with evolving threats in complex maritime arenas, with the ability to rapidly transition between defensive and offensive missions and continuously adapt to changing operational needs."
IAI Vice President and Head of the Missiles and Space Division, Guy Bar-Lev, explained that "Modern naval warfare is shifting from a concept based on individual platforms to flexible and networked force structures.”
“DIAMOND was developed to give navies the ability to expand their combat power, survivability, and operational endurance,” he said. “This is an innovative operating concept that changes the way naval forces project power and protect strategic assets in complex and threatened combat environments."