Military and Strategic Journal
Issued by the Directorate of Morale Guidance at the General Command of the Armed Forces
United Arab Emirates
Founded in August 1971

2024-10-07

Diehl’s IRIS-T SLM Strengthens Germany’s Sky Shield

The German Air Force has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the InfraRed Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled Surface-Launched Medium-Range (IRIS-T SLM) air defence system, a major step in strengthening Germany’s air defence. 
 
The milestone was marked by an official ceremony at the Todendorf military training area in Schleswig-Holstein, attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, and officials from Diehl Defence.
 
Just one year ago, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved the procurement of six IRIS-T SLM fire units using funds from the Bundeswehr’s special budget, officially greenlighting the acquisition for the German Armed Forces. 
 
In early August 2024, Diehl Defence successfully delivered the first IRIS-T SLM fire unit to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, as scheduled. 
 
Robust Protection 
The IRIS-T SLM systems are designed to provide robust protection for critical infrastructure, assets, and personnel on the ground by neutralising aerial threats such as aircraft, missiles, and drones. These advanced systems from Diehl Defence play a vital role in safeguarding key installations. 
 
By deploying IRIS-T SLM, Germany strengthens its air defence capabilities, ensuring a high level of preparedness against evolving aerial threats. The system’s deployment will bolster the defence capabilities not only of the Federal Republic of Germany but also of other nations that adopt this cutting-edge technology.
 
Since summer 2023, Diehl Defence and the German Air Force have jointly been operating a training facility for IRIS-T SLM in Todendorf. Course participants of other user nations can be trained on the system on the premises as well. 
 
Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, expressed pride in the company’s role in enabling the German Air Force’s IOC declaration. 
 
Versatile Air Defence
IRIS-T SLM, consisting of the components missile launcher, radar and tactical operations centre, is designed for the countering of threats posed by enemy aircraft, helicopters, missiles and drones at a range of up to 40 km and a height of up to 20 km. It is supplemented by support elements such as workshop, spare parts and reloading vehicles. 
 
The system is characterised by its high tactical mobility, deployability of the missile launchers and multiple target engagement with low manpower requirements.
 
It has demonstrated exceptional performance in real-world operations, particularly in Ukraine, where its capabilities have been put to the test. 
 
According to reports, the system achieved a remarkable 100 per cent hit rate, even when facing complex scenarios involving waves of more than 12 simultaneous targets. This level of precision and reliability under high-stress conditions highlights its effectiveness in countering a wide range of aerial threats.
 
Diehl Defence, as the system integrator for the IRIS-T SLM, is responsible for coordinating all components of the system, including the missile launcher and the guided missiles themselves. 
 
The TRML-4D multi-functional radar, a critical element for tracking and targeting, is supplied by Hensoldt. 
 
The command post’s Integrated Battle Management Software Fire Control (IBMS-FC), which orchestrates the entire defence operation, is provided by Airbus. Together, these elements form a highly integrated and sophisticated air defence system, combining precision targeting, advanced radar capabilities, and seamless control to offer robust protection against a wide array of aerial threats.
 
German-Engineered Excellence
The joint solutions developed by Diehl Defence, Airbus, and Hensoldt are entirely German-engineered, free from reliance on foreign technology. This independence ensures the highest level of accreditation and certification for seamless operation within Germany, while also guaranteeing maximum supply chain security. 
 
In addition to these national advantages, the systems are fully compatible with NATO’s integrated air defence architecture, ensuring they can operate in coordination with allied forces. 
Their interoperability has been successfully demonstrated in various scenarios, underscoring their ability to integrate into broader defence networks and provide a reliable, secure solution for both national and international air defence efforts.
 
With the signing of the contract by Germany, a total of seven nations have opted for air defence systems from Diehl Defence.

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