Yesterday, Germany has signed new contracts with Diehl Defence for IRIS-T missiles that simultaneously top up Luftwaffe air to air stocks and expand ground based IRIS T SLS/SLM capabilities, marking the most substantial integrated missile buy since the 2023 framework agreement for over 1,200 rounds. The move underlines Berlin’s intention to turn IRIS T into a central pillar of both national and alliance air defence over the coming decade.

The latest contracts, signed between BAAINBw and Diehl, cover guided missiles for the short and medium range, combining classic IRIS-T air to air rounds with surface launched interceptors for ground based air defence. According to industry reporting, the package spans both the standard IRIS T used on Eurofighter and Tornado and variants tailored to the IRIS-T SLS and SLM launchers, giving the Bundeswehr a common missile family across domains.

The deal builds on the December 2023 framework contract for “more than 1,200” IRIS-T missiles, structured to be called off in tranches to replenish stocks depleted by donations to Ukraine and to meet growing national demand. Deliveries under that framework are planned through to around 2030, with the first batch of replacement missiles scheduled for 2026, indicating that the new contracts are part of a long term missile pipeline rather than a one off purchase.

Status of IRIS T SLM and SLS in Germany

Germany’s first major step into ground based IRIS T came with the 2023 decision to buy 6 IRIS-T SLM fire units, with the Bundestag’s Budget Committee approving up to €950 million from the special fund to cover the systems, associated missiles, and measures such as qualification and certification. BAAINBw then contracted Diehl – with Hensoldt and Airbus as key partners – on 22 June 2023 to deliver the first SLM fire unit from 2024, with all 6 systems phasing in to close a long identified gap in medium range Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD).

The IRIS-T SLS/M system can incorporate sophisticated command and control systems (C2), which coordinate the activities of launcher. For instance, the Oerlikon SKYMASTER combat control system by Rheinmetall Air Defence proved effective when integrated into IRIS-T SLS batteries. The most sophisticate C2 architecture available is the Tactical Operation Centre (TOC) developed by Diehl Defence in collaboration with Airbus, which features Diehl fire control computers and Airbus Integrated Battle Management System software. This C2 system provides operators with real-time situational awareness, target tracking, and engagement capabilities, enabling them to effectively engage multiple targets simultaneously. This results into efficient target prioritization, rapid response times, and effective coordination with other air defence assets. Advanced fire control algorithms optimize missile trajectories and engagement parameters to maximize the probability of target interception while conserving missile resources. A secure data link facilitates communication between the launcher unit, command and control centre, and other air defence assets, enabling seamless coordination and integration into larger defence networks. The TOC has become a standard for IRIS-T SLM batteries, and this is the configuration of batteries procured for and delivered to Ukraine.

Launchers are typically mounted on a mobile platform, such as a truck or a tracked vehicle, providing flexibility in deployment and mobility on the battlefield. Each launcher is equipped with sophisticated elevation and azimuth control systems, enabling precise targeting and engagement of aerial threats at various altitudes and azimuth angles. The launcher system supports quick reloading of missiles, minimizing downtime between engagements and ensuring continuous air defence coverage. Indeed, the mobility of the IRIS-T SLS/M system allows it to quickly respond to emerging threats and relocate to strategic positions as needed. This mobility enhances its survivability on the battlefield and enables it to provide air defence coverage to manoeuvring ground forces effectively. To date, the SLS system has been mounted on BVS-10 tracked vehicles, M-113 tracked APCs, and, in the latest Mk.III variant, on EAGLE V 6x6 tactical vehicle. Most of SLM batteries spotted in these months are instead mounted on MAN SX45 8x8 10-ton military truck chassis for its launcher vehicles, radar, C2 module, reloading and logistic vehicles.

To enhance its effectiveness, the IRIS-T SLS/M system can be integrated with various radar systems for target detection, tracking, and guidance. These radar systems can be ground-based or vehicle-mounted, providing the system with the capability to operate in different environments and conditions. Radar systems may operate in various frequency bands, such as X-band, S-band, and Ku-band, depending on the specific operational requirements and environmental conditions. Radar signals can be augmented by electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and electronic warfare (EW) systems, providing comprehensive situational awareness to operators – thanks to the modularity of the C2 system. Furthermore, the IRIS-T SLM system is designed to be interoperable with other air defence systems and military platforms, allowing for seamless integration into existing defence networks and joint operational environments. This interoperability enhances the system's overall effectiveness and facilitates collaborative engagement of complex threats.

The most common configuration of today’s SLM medium-range batteries includes a Hensoldt TRML-4D G-band AESA multifunction radar (but Thales’ GROUND MASTER and Saab’s GIRAFFE families can be used, too). The radar simultaneously modulates several digitally shaped beams and is designed for short- and long-range air target detection and simultaneous weapon designation. It is capable of detecting, tracking and classifying various types of air targets, with a focus on small, fast and low-flying and/or manoeuvring cruise missiles and aircraft as well as hovering helicopters. The installed radar range is 250 km with a maximum operational altitude of 30km. The radar can detect and track targets with a minimum radar cross-section of 0.01m². A target the size of a fighter aircraft can be detected at a distance of around 120km, while a supersonic missile can be detected at roughly 60km. In 3D mode, the TRML-4D can track up to 1,500 targets.

As far as the missile is concerned, the IRIS-T family has greatly evolved. The core component of the system is a fast (Mach 3+), highly manoeuvrable, infrared-guided missile with advanced targeting capabilities. It features thrust vector control, which enables it to perform high-G manoeuvres (up to 40g) to engage agile and evasive targets effectively. The missile is equipped with a proximity fuse and a high-explosive warhead, ensuring the destruction of its targets upon impact. In comparison to the SLS version, the IRIS-T SLM is longer and thicker. Indeed, it features a new rocket motor and enhanced calculation power in its electronics. The IR seeker is the same and provides unmatched performance. The new SLX currently under development will introduce a new two-stage solid rocket motor and a new guidance system that will combine an AESA radar with the usual IR sensor (possibly in an improved version).

To sum up, today the family of air defence solutions includes the IRIS-T SLS (effective range up to 12km, altitude coverage up to 6km) for short range engagements, SLM (distance up to 45-60km, altitude coverage up to 20km) for medium range, and a longer-range version is being developed and known as IRIS-T SLX for long range (effective range up to 80+km, altitude coverage 30km). Furthermore, in the highly mobile version IRIS-T SLS Mk. III, the system combines all components of an air defence system, including effector, sensor and fire control station, on just one protected carrier vehicle.

Back to the German-specific version, Berlin has moved beyond the initial 6 SLM fire units, with the Bundestag in 2025 approving a further €1 billion package specifically to expand IRIS-T SLM interceptor stocks, add extra launcher elements, and upgrade sensors and software. This funding is explicitly linked to integrating IRIS T SLM into NATO air defence networks and the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), where Germany acts as lead nation.

The combination of framework missile contracts and follow on SLM funding is designed to secure industrial capacity at Diehl and stabilise the supply chain in the face of surging export demand, not least from European partners buying IRIS-T systems after their performance in Ukraine. For Berlin, this ensures that national units are not squeezed out by foreign orders as the production line ramps up.

As far as the air launched version is concerned, the IRIS-T portfolio is set to evolve further under the Block II development programme, for which Diehl was contracted by Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden at the end of 2024. Block II is officially described as a modernised overall missile system that will address obsolescence and enhance performance, sustaining IRIS T’s benchmark status in the short range air to air role while preserving growth potential for future surface launched applications, although detailed seeker, fuze and kinematic improvements have not yet been disclosed.

Given the long running framework to 2030 and the separate billion euro SLM expansion, further German call offs for both air launched and ground launched IRIS-T missiles appear politically and technically baked in, especially as Germany deepens its commitments to NATO integrated air and missile defence. Additional SLM batteries, maturation of SLS for close in defence, and eventual introduction of extended range IRIS-T derivatives advertised at up to 80 km are all credible next steps in a procurement trajectory that has clearly shifted from gap filling to long term force design.

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