IAI unveils Diamond naval wingman concept

IAI's Diamond concept is focused on the integration of systems on ‘wing-ships' with the sensors and centralised command and control systems of a frigate ‘mothership'. (Israel Aerospace Industries)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled its Diamond concept for naval warfare that integrates decentralised systems carried by ‘wing-ships' with the sensors and command centre of a frigate acting as a ‘mothership'.

In a 20 May 2026 press release, IAI said Diamond enables offensive or defensive systems to be installed on small wing-ships and integrated with the mothership's radar and fire control systems, enabling a frigate to engage many more targets than its would normally be able to do with its own weapons.

According to the press release and additional information from a video demonstration of the system, Diamond utilises a ‘plug-and-play' approach in which a variety of modular, containerised systems can be installed on the wing-ships depending on the required mission. This modular equipment can be used for tasks including air defence, precision strike against sea- and land-based targets, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. Potential modular installations include IAI's Harop, Harpy and Mini-Harpy loitering munitions, Blue Spear cruise missiles, LORA ballistic missiles, the Barak MX air defence system, and counter-unmanned aerial systems equipment.

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