IRIS-T SLM passes system certification: Diehl Defence demonstrates excellence in tactical firing exercise

In mid-October, the German Air Force completed the required operational certification of Diehl Defence's IRIS-T SLM air defence system at the NATO Firing Range NAMFI (NATO Missile Firing Installation) in Crete. The Air Defence Missile Group 61 conducted training there on the integration of various system components, including the TRML-4D radar, the Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC), and the launcher with the IRIS-T SLM interceptor.

In addition to German Air Force units, the Swedish Armed Forces participated with their PATRIOT system; Sweden also opted to procure IRIS-T SLM in 2025. Following the successful certification shot, the IRIS-T SLM system was fully integrated into the tactical exercise scenario, demonstrating its effectiveness in conjunction with the PATRIOT (GER/SWE) and STINGER/LeFlaSys systems.

"The successful system certification firing confirms that IRIS-T SLM delivers reliable performance and a very high hit rate in operation. This is an important signal for the Bundeswehr and, consequently, for the ten nations that already rely on our air defence system," said Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence.

Lieutenant Colonel Björn Klarl, Commander of Air Defense Missile Group 61: “Without the soldiers of Air Defence Missile Group 61, this first firing of the IRIS-T SLM in Crete would not have been possible. With a high level of readiness and professionalism, they quickly mastered the new system, acquired the necessary expertise, and carried out the launch safely and precisely. For our unit, this success is a significant milestone and a testament to the outstanding work of each and every one of them. At the same time, it marks an important step forward for Germany’s ground-based air defence.”

IRIS-T SLM is a ground-based air defence system with an effective system range of up to 60 kilometers and an interception altitude of up to 20 kilometers. It protects critical infrastructure and cities from cruise missiles, drones, aircraft, and helicopters. The Bundeswehr received its first system in September 2024. The NAMFI firing range dates back to a 1964 agreement between several NATO nations and has been used by various alliance partners since 1968.