Ground-Based Air Defence

Air defence systems protect civilians, critical infrastructure and ground troops from aerial attacks over prolonged periods of time. Diehl Defence has optimized the IRIS-T ground-to-air missile for Germany’s air defence – a more powerful variant of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile already trusted by dozens of nations. State-of-the-art technology meets combat-proven performance – ensuring air superiority for national defence.

IRIS-T SLS

Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD)

The combat-proven system IRIS-T SLS protects troops and important objects from aerial threats at short and very short ranges. Utilizing the IRIS-T air-to-air missile with the unchanged hardware offers a cost-effective way to use existing missile stocks. For maximum flexibility in use, the missile software is updated during the loading process on the vehicle-independent launcher. The IRIS-T SLS system is designed to cover a range of 12 km and an altitude of up to 6 km.

Learn more

IRIS-T SLM

Medium-Range Air Defence (MRAD)

The combat-proven system IRIS-T SLM consists of a radar, a Common Tactical Operations Ceneter tactical operations center (CTOC) and several missile launchers. The IRIS-T SLM interceptor is used to protect assets from aerial threats in the medium-range layer. All elements of the air defence system are mounted on 20-foot ISO frames which allows both tactical mobility and strategic agility in constantly changing operational scenarios. The IRIS-T SLM interceptor range is 40 km. The system’s effective range — allowing for a deployability of up to 20 km — is 60 km, and it can engage threats at altitudes up to 20 km.

Learn more

IRIS-T SLX

Long-Range Air Defence (LRAD)

The next logical step: building on IRIS-T SLM technology, the direct hit missile IRIS-T SLX offers pinpoint accuracy and represents the next evolution of the system. IRIS-T SLX extends the capabilities of the existing IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence system, utilizing a common launcher compatible with both existing and upgraded guided missiles. The IRIS-T SLX system boasts an effective range of 80 km and covers an altitude exceeding 25 km in height.

Learn more

IRIS-T SLM NAVAL

Diehl Defence has successfully participated in the „Maritime Firing Exercise 2025“ (MFE) – the German Navy‘s largest missile firing exercise in three decades – with a navalized system demonstrator of the proven IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence system. The exercise, known as „Andøya“, allows the crews to train complex weapon systems and procedures under almost real-life conditions. A so-called AAW module (Anti Air Warfare Module) was developed in record time in close cooperation with the customer and integrated on the C-Deck of the frigate „Baden-Württemberg“ (type F125). The demonstrator was implemented in less than ten months, from idea to firing.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON.

Projects & Programs

European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)

Launched in 2022 by the German Government in response to the war in Ukraine, the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) aims to strengthen the collective air and missile defence of European NATO states. 24 countries have joined forces to procure, use and deploy a multi-layered defence system to ensure the comprehensive protection of the European airspace. As part of ESSI program, IRIS-T SLM has been awarded multiple contracts, with significant numbers of fire units successfully delivered to support European air defence. Guided by the motto "Stronger Together", Diehl Defence actively contributes to the advancement of European Air Defence.

Learn More

short-range and very short-range air defence system (the german lvs nnbs)

Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, and Rheinmetall have formed ARGE NNbS to develop Germany’s new short-range air defence (LVS NNbS). The goal is to close the gap in protecting ground forces, forward elements, and assets from low-altitude threats. The proposal uses existing, market-ready platforms and components, building on subsystems that are already in use by the Bundeswehr, with full end-to-end logistical support from German suppliers to ensure national resilience.

Learn more