IRIS-T SLM German Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
IRIS-T SLM
Mobile Air Defense Missile System
Other
Basic Information
Name
IRIS-T SLM German Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
Designation
IRIS-T SLM
Alternate Designation
IRIS-T SLM
Equipment Type
Mobile Air Defense Missile System
Manufacturer
Diehl Defense
Date of Introduction
2022
Description
The IRIS-T SLM German Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System provides comprehensive 360° protection against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and guided weapons. It enables simultaneous engagement of multiple targets from very short to medium-range within extremely brief reaction times. Different multi-function radar systems can be integrated into the IRIS-T SLM air defense system, which is suited for both mobile and stationary deployment.
Ground Specifications
Mobility Type
Wheeled (8x8)
Main Weapon
IRIS-T missile
Engine
Turbocharged Diesel (440 hp)
Max Speed
90.0 km/h
Range
40.0 km
System
Alternative Designation
IRIS-T SLM
Type
Medium-Range Air Defense Missile System
Manufacturer
Diehl Defense
Chassis
All the components of the IRIS-T SLM including the launcher, radar, and command post vehicle are mounted on MAN SX44 6x6 or MAN SX45 8x8 truck chassis.
Battery
A battery of IRIS-T SLM includes three truck-mounted launcher trucks, a multifunctional radar for target detection and tracking, and a command post truck. The initial tests used Saab Giraffe radar, but in 2014, demonstration shooting was conducted with Australian multifunction radar CEA Technologies CEAFAR with AFAR The BMD-Flex control and communication system by Danish company Terma A/S and the Oerlikon Skymaster combat control system by Rheinmetall Air Defense were used. For Ukraine, the IRIS-T SLM battery was delivered with the HENSOLDT multifunctional radar TRML-4D and the Integrated Battle Management Software Fire Control (IBMS-FS) for the tactical operation center from Airbus.
Dimensions
Note
All the components of the IRIS-T SLM including the launcher, radar, and command post vehicle are mounted on MAN SX44 6x6 or MAN SX45 8x8 truck chassis.
Automotive
Engine Name
MAN D2066 LFG
Engine Type
Turbocharged diesel
Engine Power
440 hp
Maximum Range
INA
Maximum Speed
90 km/h (The truck is designed to keep pace with tracked combat vehicles across any terrain).
Main Weapon System
Missile Launcher
The IRIS-T SLM launcher unit is based on a MAN 8x8 truck chassis with eight missile container launchers mounted at the rear of the truck. The missile container launchers arrangement consists of two banks of four missiles. In the firing position, the container missile launchers are erected in the vertical position at the rear of the truck.
Missile
The IRIS-T SLM missile is based on the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile that entered into service with the German Air Force in December 2005. IRIS-T has a high-resolution infrared seeker with a wide field of view, enabling airborne engagement at close and very short ranges and interception at greater distances. The target can be assigned by onboard radar or the pilot’s helmet visor. State-of-the-art image processing technologies ensure precise control in real-time with optimal accuracy and excellent EMC resistance that covers modern blinding lasers. Simultaneously, thrust vector control provides unrivaled maneuverability, allowing the engagement of targets behind the aircraft. IRIS-T’s exceptional precision, in combination with a radar proximity fuse, also permits the interception of adversaries’ missiles. The missile of the IRIS-T SLM is equipped with a more powerful engine. The missile uses additional radio command guidance (combined with inertial-satellite correction) in the main trajectory section, with the acquisition of an infrared CNS type IIR target in the final section. It integrates an imaging IR seeker, dogfight-optimized rocket motor, wings, and a combined aerodynamic and thrust vector control. The seeker-assisted radar proximity fuse and the large warhead give the missile a remarkable antimissile capability. Predictive flight path tracking and lock-on-after-launch features enable the missile to engage targets in the rear hemisphere. IRIS-T's IRCCM and DIRCCM capabilities are unmatched, and the missile needs no maintenance. IRIS-T is a state-of-the-art fire-and-forget short-range air-to-air missile with unrivaled close in-combat and intercepts performance. The missile can destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar rockets, and large-caliber rockets. It also has a high probability of a killing shot against UAVs and other small maneuvering threats. It has a maximum firing range of 40 km at an altitude of up to 20 km.
Radar And Command Vehicles
Note
Saab Giraffe radar, multifunction radar CEA Technologies CEAFAR, Terma A/S and the Oerlikon Skymaster combat control system, multifunctional radar TRML-4D, Airbus Tactical Operation Center.
Protection
Armor
INA
Applique Armor
INA
NBC Protection
INA
Image Sources
Note
https://armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/air-defense-systems/air-defense-vehicles/iris-t-slm-medium-range-air-defense-missile-system-technical-data; https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/breaking-news-germany-delivers-10-iris-t-air-defense-missile-systems-to-ukraine-to-counter-daily-russian-air-strikes
Details
Country of Origin
Germany
Category
Radar Guided Missile Systems
Land > Air Defense > Radar Guided Missile Systems
Filter Label
I
Classification
Domain
Ground
Equipment Status
Active
Operators (4)
Germany
Ukraine
Estonia
Latvia
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