In calendar week 25 and 26 the Swedish Army qualified its new GBAD system (EldE 98) including IRIS-T SLS missile launchers and interceptors made by Diehl Defence. Successful firings were carried out on Vidsel test range, Sweden. The interceptors were launched in Lock on before launch and Lock on after launch mode against drone targets. All ground launched IRIS-T missiles intercepted the drone targets. The IRIS-T SLS firing units from Diehl Defence were handed over by the Swedish procurement agency FMV to the Air Defence Regiment in Halmstad in August 2019.
The highly agile IRIS-T guided missiles are to protect soldiers and infrastructure against missile, aircraft and attack helicopters. Thus, Sweden is the first country to benefit from the open system design of the newly developed GBAD* family IRIS-T SLM/SLS, combining and integrating systeme elements (sensors/radars, command and control systems, communications systems) from various manufacturers into a single powerful weapon system. Another advantage results from the multi-role capability of the IRIS-T missile, which was developed with Swedish participation and has been used for many years as superior air-to-air weapon on Gripen aircraft.
In the development of the IRIS-T SLM/SLS ground based air defence systems, Diehl succeeded in setting new standards in open system architecture, thus allowing maximum flexibility in the procurement of new weapon systems as well as modernization/upgrading of existing systems. Through delivery of highly advanced equipment within the agreed cost and time frame, Diehl has made a notable contribution to the renewal of Swedish air defence. The Swedish Armed Forces are receiving additional IRIS-T SLS surface-to-air missiles. Starting October 30, 2015, the Swedish Procurement Agency FMV issued on option for the delivery of the guided missiles. This decision is an important contribution in the efforts to secure orders and sales.
The IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a German-led program to develop a short-range infrared homing air-to-air missile to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder found in some NATO member countries. Any aircraft capable of firing the Sidewinder is also capable of launching the IRIS-T. In comparison to the AIM-9L Sidewinder, the IRIS-T has higher ECM-resistance and flare suppression. Improvements in target discrimination not only allows for 5 to 8 times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9L.The Swedish Army is fielding a ground launched version of the IRIS-T, designated RBS 98, to replace the RBS 70 missile system. Four missiles are carried on a special version of a Bv 410 tracked, armored vehicle.
