ILA Berlin 2026: Germany Unveils AirLAS Cobra 600 Jet-Powered Drone Interceptor Capable of Firing IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missiles
German defence firms Diehl Defence and POLARIS Raumflugzeuge have jointly unveiled the AirLAS Cobra 600 jet-powered unmanned interceptor at ILA Berlin Air Show 2026. The system can carry and launch a single IRIS-T air-to-air missile to engage drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and manned aircraft. It can be recovered and reused or expended in a one-way mission.
Highlights
- Diehl Defence and POLARIS Raumflugzeuge jointly unveiled the AirLAS Cobra 600 jet-powered unmanned interceptor at ILA Berlin Air Show 2026, which runs through 14 June.
- The AirLAS Cobra 600 carries and launches a single IRIS-T air-to-air missile to intercept drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and manned aircraft.
- The system supports two post-launch modes: recovery and reuse, or expendable one-way attritable deployment.
- AirLAS is positioned as a flexible aerial missile carrier designed to extend the engagement range of existing air defence networks by deploying closer to threats.
- Low-cost, attritable unmanned interceptor platforms are attracting growing military interest globally amid rising drone and cruise missile threats.
German Defence Firms Team Up to Unveil Jet-Powered Drone Interceptor
At the ILA Berlin International Aerospace Exhibition, which opened today (2026) and runs through 14 June, German defence companies Diehl Defence and POLARIS Raumflugzeuge jointly unveiled the AirLAS Cobra 600 jet-powered unmanned interceptor, drawing significant attention from the industry.
An Interceptor Armed with a Single IRIS-T Missile
The AirLAS Cobra 600 features a jet propulsion system and is designed to carry and fire a single IRIS-T air-to-air missile. The platform is purpose-built to engage a broad spectrum of airborne threats, including drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and manned aircraft.
Recoverable or Expendable — Maximum Mission Flexibility
Following missile launch, the system offers two operational modes depending on mission requirements: it can either be recovered and reused, or expended as a one-way attritable vehicle. This dual-mode capability significantly enhances battlefield deployment flexibility.
An Aerial Missile Platform Designed to Complement Existing Air Defence Networks
AirLAS is positioned as a flexible aerial missile carrier intended to fill gaps in existing air defence networks. By deploying interceptors closer to potential threats, the system extends the engagement range of traditional launch platforms and provides additional intercept opportunities for the overall air defence architecture.
If successfully fielded, the concept would offer a new option for European air defence frameworks — particularly as the threat from drones and cruise missiles continues to grow. Low-cost, attritable unmanned interceptor platforms are attracting increasing interest from militaries worldwide.
Image credit: Gareth Jennings
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