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2022-05-01

Diehl Defence & HENSOLDT Collaborate on IRIS-T SL

Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT recently announced their intention to intensify their cooperation in the field of ground-based air defence. Based on proven joint systems currently in production that can be delivered quickly, the two companies intend to offer high-quality products for defence against missile threats. These air defence systems employ the latest technologies to help combat new and emerging threats.

For instance, in its medium-range system (IRIS-T SLM), Diehl Defence has integrated the battle management standard software IBMS-FC from Airbus and active and passive radars from HENSOLDT and transferred them to series production and delivered to an export customer. The IRIS-T SLM missiles are part of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T product family.

IRIS-T SLM can be supplemented by elements of the short-range version IRIS-T SLS, which is already under contract in several European countries and is in operational use in Sweden, to meet the requirements for so-called short-range and very short-range protection (NNbS). For this purpose, Diehl Defence has already presented a new variant, which is now under contract outside NATO and is in the process of implementation.

The cooperation between Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT within the framework of IRIS-T SLM involves the multifunctional radar TRML-4D and the optional passive radar Twinvis, in addition to the launcher with missiles and the command centre. IRIS-T SLM already provides protection against enemy aircraft, helicopters, missiles, and drones and meets all range and performance requirements.

Based on their cooperation in a joint export programme, the companies are deepening their cooperation. Due to the increasing threat from missiles and rockets, new air defence systems will be needed in the future. This requires ground-based air defence systems, whose interceptor missiles have a range of 40 km and can engage targets up to an altitude of 20 km. In addition, 360-degree all-round protection is also needed, considering attacks carried out with cruise missiles. Full interoperability with the existing NATO-integrated air defence architecture is also equally essential.

A performance upgrade of the existing IRIS-T SLM system in the form of IRIS-T SLX is under development at Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT to supplement the existing air defence system by providing greater range (up to 80 km) and altitude coverage (up to 30 km) against airborne targets to improve response and warning times.

The joint solutions from Diehl Defence and HENSOLDT will reportedly be made available to the German customer from the third quarter of 2022 if a procurement decision is made soon. These products aim to offer the highest degree of admissibility and certifiability for operation in Germany and, in addition, the highest possible supply security.

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