TEL AVIV, — May 20, 2026 : Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled DIAMOND, a hybrid and modular naval warfare solution designed to expand the operational capabilities of modern frigates through the use of remotely operated wing ships operating alongside a mothership frigate.
The system is intended to support distributed maritime operations by decentralising offensive and defensive capabilities across multiple platforms. According to IAI, modular combat systems installed on smaller wing ships can be remotely controlled directly from the mothership while remaining fully integrated with the frigate’s radar, battle management and fire-control systems.
IAI said the concept effectively expands the operational deck space and combat footprint of existing frigates without requiring the construction of additional major surface combatants. The company stated that the system is designed to provide greater operational flexibility, increased firepower and faster responses to evolving maritime threats.
Modular Mission Configuration
According to the company, the wing ships can be rapidly configured depending on operational requirements. The modular payloads use a standard container-based footprint, allowing systems to be deployed, replaced or reconfigured within hours.
The DIAMOND architecture supports plug-and-play integration of multiple combat systems and mission packages. These include 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 integrate counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities and additional mission-specific payloads.
IAI stated that the wing ships are intended to increase the number of available interceptors and precision strike systems while extending the frigate’s effective operational range and combat endurance. The vessels are designed to support simultaneous offensive and defensive operations against both maritime and land-based targets.
Distributed Maritime Operations
The company described DIAMOND as part of a broader shift in naval warfare from platform-centric operations toward distributed and networked combat structures. By dispersing weapons and mission systems across multiple remotely operated platforms, the concept is intended to improve survivability, operational flexibility and force persistence in contested maritime environments.
Boaz Levy, chairman of the board of Israel Aerospace Industries, said the system represents a new stage in maritime defence operations based on modular architecture and distributed combat capabilities.
“IAI, as a system house for innovation is proud to lead the next generation in maritime defense with the introduction of the DIAMOND solution,” Levy said.
He added that the system is designed to enable navies to transition rapidly between defensive and offensive missions while adapting continuously to changing operational requirements.
Guy Barlev, executive vice-president and general manager of IAI’s Systems, Missiles and Space Group, said modern naval warfare increasingly requires adaptive and networked force structures rather than reliance on individual platforms.
Barlev stated that DIAMOND was developed to expand combat capacity, survivability and mission endurance without relying on costly fleet expansion programmes. He said the concept is intended to transform how naval forces project power and defend strategic assets in contested operational environments.
Off-the-Shelf Naval Solution
According to IAI, DIAMOND is being offered as an integrated off-the-shelf solution designed to avoid lengthy warship construction programmes and complex integration processes. The company stated that the system can rapidly switch between mission configurations while supporting continuous modernisation as operational requirements and threats evolve.
IAI added that the solution is intended to reduce operational timelines and costs while enabling navies to increase combat capacity using existing frigate fleets.
No additional technical specifications, deployment schedules or detailed performance parameters for the wing ships have been publicly disclosed at this stage.
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