IRIS-T SLM

medium-range air defence (MRAD)

IRIS-T SLM is a leading combat-proven, medium-range ground-based air defence system. One Fire Unit contains up to 8 mobile missile launchers, advanced radar and a technological remarkable Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC), delivering instant situational awareness, air superiority and rapid, pinpoint engagement. With a 60 km effective system range and 20 km altitude coverage, it safeguards critical infrastructure, entire cities and forward elements from aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones.

The IRIS-T SLM system earned its “combat-proven” seal years ago, and today it remains the cutting-edge cornerstone of European defence capability – ESSI’s flagship setting the standard for security and performance. Customers confirm an outstanding performance of IRIS-T SLM in operational use.

40

km RANGE
20

km ALTITUDE
60

km SYSTEM RANGE
20

km DISPLACEABILITY

The Fire Unit

Launcher (up to 8)

Mounted on a 20-foot ISO container, the Launcher can be deployed up to 20 km from the Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC), is network-capable and remotely controllable. Offering full 360° protection it can engage multiple threats simultaneously with eight missiles.

CTOC (Common Tactical Operations Center)

The COMMON TACTICAL OPERATIONS CENTER (CTOC) supplies air-space surveillance, threat analysis, and fire control. Multiple workstations enable mission planning within a protected environment. Thanks to its multi-data-link capability, the Fire Unit can operate in a networked configuration, allowing simultaneous coordination of several SLS, SLM, and SLX launchers. CTOC evolution delivers a fully integrated layered air defence platform — augmented with extra workstations, fully NATO interoperable, but also adaptable to national requirements to ensure seamless integration into national air defence structures.

Radar (e.g. Hensoldt TRML-4D)

The multifunctional TRML-4D 3D AESA C-Band Radar, equipped with an integrated IFF system, delivers 360° coverage with a range of up to 250 km and an elevation angle of a full 90°. Additional advantages include the Track-While-Scan (TWS) capability and the ability to track rockets, artillery, and mortar rounds (RAM). It is mounted on a 20-foot ISO container, enabling mobile air space surveillance with rapid redeployment.

Reloader & Support (Reloader, MSC, MWC)

A fleet of Reload and Support Vehicles complements the Fire Unit, enabling rapid re-arming and swift operational readiness – even in difficult terrain or when maintaining covert positions. Equipped with a mobile maintenance team, a workshop container and spare-parts depot, these vehicles provide all necessary tools and specialized equipment for field repair. Operating autonomously for 90 days, they ensure uninterrupted service and quick response to any downtime, allowing the system to remain self-sufficient and highly adaptable while maintaining the element of surprise.

WHY IRIS-T SLM?
                Combat-proven 360° coverage with a near-zero inner dead zone
Make-or-forget: multi-target engagement, highest hit-probability
Ultra-low troop requirement: < 30 operators, hardware-driven automation
Modular NATO interoperable architecture and ESSI-ready; joint user group and success story
Highly-mobile, 90-day self-sufficiency, 20-foot ISO transport ready, state-of-the-art service support

            

IRIS-T SLM

Interceptor

The Interceptor IRIS-T SLM

The IRIS-T SLM interceptor extends the proven air-to-air missile capability to ground-to-air operations, with a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km. Its next-generation aerodynamics and turbo-charged propulsion reach a speed of over beyond Mach 3, with immediate high lateral acceleration that can strike even the closest threats. A state-of-the-art imaging-IR-seeker, thrust-vector controlled as well as smokeless solid-fuel engine lock on and hit with pinpoint accuracy, while an integrated uplink lets operators update target data or terminate the mission mid-flight. Packaged in a rugged STLC (Storage Transport and Launch Canister) built for a 30-plus-years service life, the IRIS-T SLM guided missile is the decisive advantage for any modern air defence system.

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IRIS-T SLM Interceptor Features

40

km RANGE
20

km ALTITUDE
360

° PROTECTION

Related Projects and Programs

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

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 the 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.

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