Germany has signed several contracts for IRIS-T guided missiles with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), expanding procurement of both air-to-air and surface-to-air variants through defence firm Diehl Defence.
Germany expands IRIS-T missile procurement
At the turn of the year, Diehl Defence and BAAINBw finalized multiple contracts covering missiles from the IRIS-T family for the German Armed Forces. These deals include guided missiles for short and medium range roles, both for air-to-air use and for ground-based air defence systems.
The agreements cover the standard IRIS-T air-to-air missile plus the IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM variants for short and medium range surface air defence.
Multi-role capability and system coverage
The IRIS-T guided missile’s design allows it to perform as a high-agility air-to-air weapon on fighter aircraft or as a surface-to-air missile in defence systems. This multi-role feature provides Germany flexibility in both fighter armament and ground defence layers.
The IRIS-T SLS variant focuses on short and very short range air defence, offering 360-degree coverage against aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, and drones. The IRIS-T SLM variant extends the defensive envelope, with an effective range up to about 60 km and altitude coverage near 20 km.
Strategic supply and expanded production
BAAINBw and Diehl Defence highlighted that close cooperation smoothed contracting and will help meet sustained demand for these systems. As part of the contract announcement, Diehl said it is expanding production capacity across its sites with planned investments around 1.5 billion euros to strengthen delivery capability for national and international customers.
The IRIS-T family now counts 21 user nations that have procured either the air-to-air missile or one of the ground-based air defence variants.
Context in wider European defence procurement
Germany has recently placed other large IRIS-T related orders, including a 2023 contract for more than 1,200 missiles covering IRIS-T SL and related variants.
Under the European Sky Shield Initiative, several nations have procured IRIS-T SLM medium range systems through BAAINBw acting as the procurement authority on their behalf, reinforcing an interoperable air defence network across NATO partners.
Earlier deliveries have placed IRIS-T SLM units into service and achieved initial operational capability with the German Air Force, supporting layered defence.
What this means for German defence
These latest contracts reflect Germany’s focus on strengthening air defence stocks and sustainment ahead of evolving threat environments. By ensuring ongoing supply of IRIS-T guided missiles across multiple roles, the German Armed Forces aim to maintain readiness and upgrade both airborne and ground defence capabilities.
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