IRIS-T SL Short- And Medium-Range Air Defense System (Germany)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-15

The IRIS-T SL air defense system was a result of a German-led multinational program. Diehl Defence was the main developer. Other partner countries include Greece, Italy, Norway and Sweden. This air defense system was developed to meet requirements of German Federal Ministry of Defense. One of the planned users was the German air force. It was planned that the new system will protect airbases. It is intended as a low-tier component of MEADS air defense system. This ground-based system incorporated IRIS-T missiles that were originally designed for short-range air-to-air combat. The acronym stands for Infra-Red Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled, Surface-Launched. For surface-to-air application the original IRIS-T air-to-air missile was improved in a number of ways. Improvements included a better motor, increased range, added GPS and datalink. This air defense system comes in two variants: the IRIS-T SLS (short-ranged), and the IRIS-T SLM (medium-ranged). Currently this is one of the most advanced system in its class. In 2022 Germany delivered some IRIS-T SLM systems to Ukraine in order to defend against the Russian invasion. This system was used operationally in Ukraine and recommended itself well.

This system provides protection against fighter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, drones. The IRIS-T missiles have high speed, sophisticated electronics and unmatched maneuverability.

Missiles utilize infrared homing in terminal phase. This means that  the IRIS-T missile tracks its targets by following their heat signature. However, unlike many other contemporary missiles, the IRIS-T has an high definition image processing system and can “see” the target. This allows to distinguish between countermeasures, such as flares and blinding lasers, and its target. Also, this missile has high resistance to electronic countermeasures (jamming). Its high-explosive fragmentation warhead is triggered by a proximity fuse.

The ground-launched IRIS-T missile includes a number of advanced features. These include Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL); Lock-On After Launch (LOAL), allowing the missile lock on the targets beyond visual range of the launch platform. So in LOBL engagement mode the missile can lock on its target while still in its launch container. Also this give targets far less warning that it is tracking them, improving hit chances; and the precision to intercept incoming missiles.

Missiles are launched vertically and are steered towards the target after launch. So the vertical launcher provides 360 degrees coverage.

The system is capable of 24/7 operation in all weather conditions. Minimum of personnel is required to support this system.

The IRIS-T SL air defense system has modular architecture, so new radars and missiles can be incorporated over time. Also various existing radars, launchers and command and control systems, can be integrated into one network.

IRIS-T SLS is a short-ranged version. These missiles have a range of 10 km and can reach altitude of 5 km. This missile travels at a speed of around Mach 3 (3 703 km/h). This is enough to quickly reach most enemy aircraft and missiles. The system was demonstrated on a Unimog high mobility truck. In 2013 Swedish military procurement authority ordered a batch IRIS-T SLS systems from Diehl Defence to equip Swedish Army. Additional order followed in 2015. Swedish systems are based on the Bv 410 armored articulated all-terrain tracked carrier. Target data is provided by an integrated Giraffe 1X radar. Price for each missile for the IRIS-T SLS system is around $500 000.

IRIS-T SLM is a medium-ranged version. This system uses a more capable missile of new type that has a range of 40 km and can reach an altitude of 20 km. Missiles are stored in canisters. The system is supported by an active electronically scanned array radar that has 360? coverage and 250 km detection range. The radar has a built-in friend or foe identification system. There is also an associated command post vehicle. The IRIS-T SLM system was designed to provide protection for stationary and moving assets. All elements of this system are delivered on standard 10" and 20" ISO frames and can be easily integrated on various vehicles. One of the options is a MAN HX77 high mobility truck with 8x8 configuration. Furthermore these components can operate in a detached form. In 2022 Germany delivered at least one IRIS-T SLM battery to Ukraine in order to defend against the Russian invasion. Another 3 batteries were planned to be delivered in 2023. These air defense systems were originally built for Egypt and were planned to be delivered in the near future.