Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has unveiled DIAMOND, an innovative distributed naval warfare solution designed to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of modern frigates through the use of modular, remotely operated wing-ships. The new concept reflects the growing shift in naval warfare from platform-centric operations towards networked, distributed force structures capable of adapting to rapidly evolving threats.

DIAMOND enables naval forces to expand both offensive and defensive capabilities by deploying small wing-ships operating alongside a mothership. These vessels carry modular mission payloads that are remotely controlled directly from the frigate and fully integrated with its radar, command-and-control and fire-control systems. Effectively, the wing-ships function as extensions of the mothership, providing additional deck space, weapons capacity and operational flexibility without requiring the construction of larger warships. According to IAI Chairman of the Board Boaz Levy, the new solution represents a fundamental transformation in maritime defence. He emphasized that the combination of modular architecture, distributed operations and enhanced firepower will enable navies to respond to emerging threats with greater speed, flexibility and effectiveness.

At the core of the DIAMOND concept is a highly modular architecture. Mission systems are housed within standardized ISO-container footprints that can be rapidly installed, removed or reconfigured within hours according to operational requirements. This “Plug and Fight” approach allows naval commanders to tailor force packages for specific missions while maintaining maximum operational readiness.

The wing-ships can be equipped with a wide range ofadvanced weapon systems and sensors. Available payloads include Harop, Harpy and Mini-Harpy loitering munitions, Blue Spear anti-ship cruise missiles, LORA long-range ballistic missiles, BARAK MX air-defence interceptors and Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities. By distributing these systems across multiple platforms, DIAMOND significantly increases the number of available interceptors and precision-strike weapons while reducing the vulnerability associated with concentrating combat power on a single vessel.

The solution addresses a growing challenge facing naval forces worldwide. The proliferation of advanced missiles, unmanned systems and asymmetric threats is forcing navies to rethink traditional fleet structures. At the same time, operating large combatants with substantial crews presents increasing financial and logistical challenges. DIAMOND offers a cost-effective alternative by leveraging advanced Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) technologies and low-manned support vessels to extend combat capability without major fleet expansion programs. Guy Barlev, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IAI’s Missile and Space Group, noted that modern naval warfare increasingly demands adaptive and networked force structures. He described DIAMOND as a solution that enhances combat capacity, survivability and mission endurance while reducing procurement costs and shortening deployment timelines.

Another key advantage of the system is interoperability. DIAMOND payloads can be shared across naval, air and land forces and rapidly deployed on fixed or mobile platforms. Combined with secure communications architecture and military-grade reliability, this flexibility allows operators to continuously adapt capabilities to changing operational requirements. With DIAMOND, IAI is presenting a future-oriented approach to maritime warfare that combines modularity, autonomy and distributed operations. As navies seek new ways to counter emerging threats while maximizing the effectiveness of existing platforms, DIAMOND offers a compelling solution capable of transforming how naval forces project power and protect strategic interests in contested maritime environments.