Germany strengthens Ukraine defense with IRIS-T missile system
The first front-line photo of the IRIS-T SLS anti-aircraft system delivered by Germany has surfaced online. This system is a crucial defense tool for Ukraine, with an additional batch of missiles also set for delivery. Here’s what you need to know.
A recently released photo shows one of the at least 10 delivered launchers of the IRIS-T SLS system mounted on a truck. These short-range systems offer protection to front-line units against attack helicopters at distances of over 6 miles.
This range surpasses that of handheld anti-aircraft sets like the Mistral or the Stinger. Moreover, the IRIS-T SLS systems are effective against cruise missiles and drones. Germany has also announced the delivery of likely just over 100 IRIS-T missiles, half of which will be sourced from the Luftwaffe's production.
IRIS-T SLS system — the German equivalent of the Norwegian-American NASAMS
In Ukraine, the IRIS-T SL anti-aircraft systems, which completed tests in 2024, come in two variants. The SLM version uses unique IRIS-T SL missiles with larger rocket engines, enabling them to combat targets up to 25 miles away.
Conversely, the SLS variant uses standard aircraft-launched short-range air-to-air IRIS-T missiles with a ground range of slightly over 6 miles. This strategy of employing aircraft missiles in anti-aircraft systems mirrors that of the Norwegian NASAMS system, easing logistical challenges in case of shortages. In such instances, the system can be supplied from military aviation stockpiles.
The primary missile for many NATO air forces
The IRIS-T missile was developed in collaboration with Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and, for a time, Canada. It serves as the main short-range air-to-air missile for many NATO air forces, succeeding the AIM-9 Sidewinder and incorporating some technology from the Soviet Vympel R-73 missile, including the thrust vectoring technology.
In use with the German Luftwaffe since 2005, the IRIS-T missile boasts a range of about 16 miles at high altitudes. It features an advanced infrared optoelectronic seeker with an FPA-type matrix, enabling thermal imaging of the target, making the seeker resistant to typical defensive measures used by aircraft.
Additionally, the missile employs advanced algorithms capable of simulating an attack, forcing the targeted aircraft to lose energy before the actual engagement. During the MPSO fair, the manufacturer emphasized that the IRIS-T missiles can withstand forces exceeding 60 G and are capable of destroying even other medium-range air-to-air missiles, like the Vympel R-77 or the AIM-120 AMRAAM, placing them among the world's top tier.
IRIS-T is widely regarded as one of the best missiles globally, as evidenced by reports from certain batteries in Ukraine indicating a 100% success rate in shooting down targets.
