Germany strengthens Ukraine with IRIS-T SLS air defence systems
The first front-line photograph of the IRIS-T SLS anti-aircraft system delivered by Germany has appeared online. It is one of the key defence systems for Ukrainians, with the next batch of missiles also set to be delivered. We explain what it is.
The initial image online depicts one of at least 10 delivered launchers of the IRIS-T SLS system mounted on a lorry. These are short-range systems providing protection to front-line units against attack helicopters at a distance of over 10 kilometres.
This range is greater than that available in handheld anti-aircraft sets like the Mistral or the Stinger. Moreover, the IRIS-T SLS systems are also an effective tool for combating cruise missiles or drones. Germany has announced the delivery of a batch of likely slightly over 100 IRIS-T missiles, with half coming from production originally intended for the Luftwaffe.
IRIS-T SLS system — the German twin of the Norwegian-American NASAMS
In Ukraine, there are IRIS-T SL anti-aircraft systems, whose tests were completed in 2024. There are two variants, with the SLM version using unique IRIS-T SL missiles with larger rocket engines, enabling them to combat targets at a distance of up to 40 kilometres.
The SLS variant, on the other hand, relies on using ordinary aircraft-launched short-range air-to-air IRIS-T missiles with a range from the ground of slightly over 10 kilometres. The strategy of using aircraft missiles in anti-aircraft systems is similar to that used in the Norwegian NASAMS system, which facilitates logistics in the event of shortages. In such a situation, the system battery can be supplied from the military aviation stockpile.
The primary missile for many NATO air forces
The IRIS-T missile, developed through the cooperation of Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and for some time, Canada, is the main type of short-range air-to-air missile for many NATO air forces. It succeeds the AIM-9 Sidewinder and is partially based on the technology of the Soviet Vympel R-73 missile, from which thrust vectoring technology was adapted.
The IRIS-T missile, in use by the German Luftwaffe since 2005, has a range of about 25 kilometres at high altitudes. It features an advanced infrared optoelectronic seeker with an FPA-type matrix, enabling thermal imaging of the target, which makes the seeker resistant to typical defensive measures used in aircraft.
Additionally, the missile is supposed to employ advanced algorithms capable of simulating an attack, forcing the targeted aircraft to lose some energy before the actual attack. During the MPSO fair, the manufacturer highlighted that the IRIS-T missiles 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 in the world, as confirmed by reports from certain batteries in Ukraine indicating a 100% success rate in shooting down targets.
