The German arms procurement agency has entered into a significant contract with Diehl Defence for the acquisition of the IRIS-T family of guided missiles, aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the German Armed Forces. This procurement consists of multiple contracts designed for both air-to-air and ground-based air defense operations.
The air-launched variants of the IRIS-T missile will be integrated into the German Air Force’s Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft fleets. Additionally, interceptor versions of the missile will be utilized for the IRIS-T SLS (short-range) and IRIS-T SLM (medium-range) ground-based air defense systems, enhancing the country’s defense structure significantly.
This recent contract builds upon a framework agreement established in 2023, which allows for the procurement of over 1,200 IRIS-T missiles. This strategic agreement aims to replenish Germany’s missile inventories following the previous deliveries made to Ukraine, and is designed to facilitate deliveries through to 2030, with the initial batch expected to arrive in 2026.
Diehl Defence emphasized the importance of its collaborative efforts with the BAAINBw (German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) in preparing and negotiating the contract, which was crucial for ensuring the seamless procurement of these advanced defense products, now in high demand.
The IRIS-T missile was initially conceived as a next-generation short-range air-to-air missile in the late 1990s, intended to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Its high maneuverability and advanced imaging infrared guidance made it a versatile platform, which has since been adapted for use in ground-based air defense with the development of the IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM systems.
The IRIS-T SLS offers a comprehensive 360-degree defense against various aerial threats, including cruise missiles, attack aircraft, armored helicopters, and drones, boasting an engagement range of up to 12 kilometers (7.45 miles) and an intercept altitude of 8 kilometers (5 miles). In contrast, the IRIS-T SLM serves a critical role in medium-range air defense, capable of addressing aerial threats at distances of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles) and altitudes reaching 20 kilometers (12 miles).
To accommodate the growing interest and operational needs for the IRIS-T missile family, which is currently in service with 21 nations worldwide, Diehl Defence is investing approximately 1.5 billion euros (around $1.77 billion) in expanding its production facilities. This substantial investment is expected to enhance the company’s capacity to meet global defense requirements effectively.
