The German defence procurement agency (BAAINBw) accepted the first fire unit of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system. This milestone marks a significant advancement in Germany’s air defense capabilities, coming just a year after the Bundestag’s Budget Committee approved the procurement of six fire units using funds from the special defense fund. The IRIS-T SLM is a state-of-the-art, ground-based air defense system designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. Acceptance of the first fire unit by the BAAINBw took place at the Diehl Defence company in Röthenbach, in the presence of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) as the future user.
With an operational range of 40 kilometers, each firing unit comprises a medium-range radar capable of detecting targets up to 250 kilometers away, and three launchers, each equipped to fire eight guided missiles. These components are remotely controlled from a central command post, requiring minimal personnel—a significant tactical advantage that enhances the system’s operational efficiency. One of the key features of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system is its modular design, which allows for rapid deployment and relocation. Mounted on standardized 20-foot ISO container frames, the system can be easily transported by air, providing flexibility for various operational scenarios. The system has already proven its effectiveness in Ukraine, where it has been deployed to protect critical infrastructure and civilian populations from Russian air attacks.
This real-world application underscores the system’s reliability and strategic value in modern warfare. To integrate the IRIS-T SLM into the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr), the manufacturer has made essential modifications to ensure compatibility with NATO’s air defense network. Following the recent acceptance of the first fire unit, these adaptations will undergo qualification and operational testing. The system is expected to be fully operational within the Luftwaffe by the end of 2025. The introduction of the IRIS-T SLM represents a critical enhancement to Germany’s ground-based air defense capabilities, ensuring that the nation is better equipped to protect its airspace and ground forces from evolving aerial threats.
The IRIS-T (infrared imaging system tail/thrust vector-controlled) is a medium range infrared homing missile available in air-to-air and surface-to-air variants. Surface-to-air defence systems variants came later, with the short-range IRIS-T SLS fielded in 2015, and the medium-range IRIS-T SLM fielded in 2022. One IRIS-T SLM battery consists of three truck-mounted launchers, carrying eight missiles each (with a range of 40 kilometres or 25 miles), and a separate command vehicle that can be positioned up to 20 kilometres (12 mi) away. The command vehicle integrates multiple radar sources, and is able to launch and track all 24 missiles simultaneously. The IRIS-T SLM can counter surface-to-air missiles and cruise missiles, including low-flying, stealthy missiles such as the Kalibr.
