Germany officially approves purchase of six IRIS-T SLM air defence systems worth over $1bn

Following the approval of an order for the Arrow-3 missile defence system, Germany's budget committee has agreed to allocate funds for the purchase of IRIS-T surface-to-air missile systems in the SLM modification. This was reported by the Reuters news agency, citing a German lawmaker on the committee.

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The Arrow-3 ballistic missile defence system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere and costs $4.3bn. IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system and would cost four times less.

Germany had planned to buy eight systems, but the order was eventually reduced to six units. The deal will cost €950 million ($1.02 billion). The armed forces will receive the first IRIS-T SLM system in 2024.

Germany has handed over two IRIS-T SLM systems to Ukraine, but it still does not have a single complex in service. It is designed to intercept cruise missiles, drones, helicopters and aircraft at altitudes of up to 20km and ranges of up to 40km.

Source: Reuters