Germany Unveils Cobra 600 Jet Drone Carrying the IRIS-T Air-to-Air Missile, Which Has Proven Effective in Ukraine, Mimicking the Concept of Russia’s “Shahed” with an R-60 Missile
German firm Diehl Defence, in collaboration with aerospace startup Polaris Raumflugzeuge, has presented a model of the new Cobra 600 jet drone for the first time at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2026.
The primary distinction of this drone is the integrated IRIS-T air-to-air missile, manufactured by Diehl Defence. This missile has already demonstrated its capabilities in Ukraine, where its ground-based variant is utilized in the namesake IRIS-T SLS and SLM anti-aircraft missile systems.
The Cobra 600 is envisioned as a reusable launch platform, though it can also undertake single-use missions depending on requirements. The platform’s purpose is to deliver a weapon directly to the target area and facilitate the launch of the IRIS-T missile from an optimal interception point.
The specifications and capabilities of the Cobra 600 drone have not yet been disclosed. However, the presented model features two jet engines, with indications of space for possibly two more. It can be inferred that with the addition of extra engines, the Cobra 600 could achieve higher speeds or carry an additional IRIS-T missile.
It is noteworthy that in terms of its concept, the Cobra 600 resembles the Russian-Iranian “Shahed,” which can also be equipped with R-60 air-to-air missiles or “Verba” man-portable air-defense systems. However, unlike the “Shahed,” the Cobra 600 is reusable.
Despite its declared primary role being the interception of drones and cruise missiles, the Cobra 600 could theoretically be employed similarly to how Russian forces utilize their “Shaheds” with R-60s or “Verba” MANPADS. This means it could be used to target combat aircraft intercepting long-range drones.
In general, the operational procedure for the Cobra 600 is expected to involve a ground-based radar station detecting a target, the Cobra 600 taking off and proceeding to the target vicinity, and upon target acquisition and lock-on, launching the IRIS-T missile.