German firm Diehl Defence and Thailand’s RV Connex have teamed up to deliver target drones and support solutions, aiming to enhance live-fire testing capabilities for the IRIS-T air-to-air missile.
Under the initiative, RV Connex’s JRV-01 target drone will be used as a threat simulation to enhance the realism of IRIS-T live-fire tests.
In coordination with RV Connex, Diehl Defence aims to provide cost-efficient live-fire solutions that eliminate the need for complex test infrastructure, reducing logistical challenges for IRIS-T customers during exercises.
“I am proud to expand our presence in Asia in partnership with RV Connex of Thailand. We are looking back at 15 years of successful operations in the country, and I am convinced that there is more success for us in Asia to come,” said Helmut Rauch, Diehl Defence CEO.
IRIS-T System
The IRIS-T system was developed through a European cooperation program including Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Spain. Germany leads the initiative.
IRIS-T can be fitted onto several aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16, Gripen, and Tornado.
Integration with the F-5E supersonic fighter is also complete, while work is ongoing to integrate the missile with South Korea’s KF-21.
It is equipped with an infrared seeker that processes images to track targets.
The missile can engage targets behind the aircraft, including incoming missiles, and guidance can be provided by radar or a helmet-mounted sight.
JRV-01 Drone
The JRV-01 is a jet-powered aerial target system with a wingspan of 2.44 meters (8 feet) and a length of 2.6 meters (8.5 feet).
It can carry payloads of up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) and is designed for flexible use in training and weapons testing scenarios.
The drone reaches a maximum speed of 135 meters (443 feet) per second and cruises at around 70 meters (230 feet) per second.
Depending on the payload configuration, it can remain airborne for up to one hour.
Its operational ceiling reaches 15,000 feet (4,570 meters), making it suitable for various aerial threat simulations.
