Germany plans to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems with long-range missiles

The German Air Force has announced the need for a new generation of anti-aircraft missiles for the IRIS-T system. This refers to the advanced IRIS-T SLX missiles that are currently under development.

What is known

This was reported by Hartpunkt with reference to the Deputy Inspector of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Lutz Kohlhaus. According to him, the new missile will significantly increase the effectiveness of the air defence system in view of current threats. If the order is placed on time, the proof of concept could be completed as early as 2029.

The IRIS-T SLX missile should be able to engage air targets at ranges of up to 80 km and altitudes of up to 30 km, which is twice the capability of the current IRIS-T SLM version. The new missile will have a modified homing head with infrared and radar sensors. This will ensure more accurate target engagement at the final stage of flight.

Thanks to its mobility, the system will be able to operate effectively near the front, in particular on NATO's eastern flank, where Patriot heavy systems are vulnerable.

The system's developer, Diehl Defence, plans to create a new launcher that will be compatible with both SLM and SLX missiles. This will allow up to eight missiles of both types to be deployed simultaneously on a single SAM, which will greatly expand the capabilities of operators.

So far, the Bundeswehr has ordered six IRIS-T SLM systems, but the Air Force has already requested a doubling of this order. At the same time, the first of the systems purchased in September 2024 has not yet been put into operation because it does not meet current safety standards. Although the initial operational readiness was announced last year, the system remains at the testing stage.

Source: Hartpunkt