Together with its partners HENSOLDT and Airbus, the general contractor Diehl Defence delivered a combat unit of the ground-based air defence system IRIS-T SLM to Ukraine. After the signing of the contract for this combat unit in June 2022, this rapid fulfillment of the delivery obligation is an exceptional industrial performance of the partners. Further IRIS-T SLM systems for Ukraine will follow as quickly as the industrial process will allow. Diehl Defence is the general contractor and system integrator for IRIS-T SLM and also delivers the launcher as well as the missiles. HENSOLDT contributes the multifunctional radar TRML-4D. The Integrated Battle Management Software Fire Control (IBMS-FS) for the tactical operation center is from Airbus. Diehl Defence, HENSOLDT and Airbus have been cooperating in the field of ground-based air defence for a long time and offer, among others, the IRIS-T SLM system that is designed for medium ranges, of 40 km distance and 20 km altitude.
On the occasion of the first delivery of an IRIS-T SLM firing unit, Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, noticed: “We interpret the new customer’s confidence in our product as obligation and we will make sure that it completely fulfills its intended purpose of protecting facilities on the ground against air threats.”
Michael Schöllhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized: “Ukraine’s defence capability is noticeably strengthened by the delivery of IRIS-T SLM. The system offers an effective protection against threats originating from rocket and drone attacks. In short: The deployment of IRIS-T SLM saves human lives in Ukraine. Hence, we are glad to make our contribution out of deep conviction.”
Thomas Müller, CEO of HENSOLDT, said: “With our world class radar, we are contributing to the protection of Ukranian cities. I am proud that our employees’ commitment allows a delivery of the equipment in an extremely short time.”
Diehl Defence is currently developing the system IRIS-T SLX which is characterized by a performance increase. It features a larger range (up to 80 km) and altitude coverage (up to 30 km) and thus extends reaction and warning times and improves the protection perimeter. Here, as well, HENSOLDT and Airbus are partners of Diehl Defence. The joint solutions of Diehl Defence, Airbus and HENSOLDT as exclusively German systems are independent of foreign technology which is why they provide a maximum of accreditation and certifiability for use in Germany and, in addition, highest possible security of supply. Simultaneously, they are fully compatible with the NATO integrated air defence architecture.
Diehl Defence is a leading supplier of high-tech guided missiles, innovative ammunition solutions and special reconnaissance and protection systems. Its modern system solutions for ground-based air defence set new international standards. Diehl Defence is part of the globally operating Diehl Group, a financially and legally independent family-owned company with over 16,000 employees worldwide and a turnover of more than 3 billion euros.
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with global reach. The company, headquartered in Taufkirchen near Munich, develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a technology leader, HENSOLDT drives forward the development of defence electronics and optronic and expands its portfolio based on innovative approaches for data management, robotics and cyber security. With more than 6,400 employees, HENSOLDT generated revenues of EUR 1.5 billion in 2021.
Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The company constantly works on innovations to offer efficient and technologically advanced solutions in the fields aerospace, defence and networked services. In the area of commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel efficient aircraft and thus networked services. Moreover, Airbus is a European leader in the fields defence and security and is one of the globally leading aerospace companies. In the helicopter segment, Airbus offers the most efficient solutions and services for civil and military rotary aircraft on a global level.
