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IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System

IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System

Manufacturer: Diehl Defence
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 40 km
Maximum Altitude 20 km
Radar Detection Range Up to 250 km (TRML-4D radar)
Missile Speed Mach 3+

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	IRIS-T SLM
Manufacturer	Diehl Defence
Country of Origin	Germany
Type / Role	Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2022
Unit Cost	USD 140–160 Million per Battery (Estimated)

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	40 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	20 km
Target Types	Aircraft, Cruise Missiles, UAVs, Helicopters
Interception Probability	High against subsonic and supersonic threats
Reaction Time	Approx. 10 seconds
Radar Detection Range	Up to 250 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	IRIS-T SL
Missile Length	2.94 m
Missile Weight	89 kg
Warhead Type	High-Explosive Fragmentation
Warhead Weight	11.4 kg
Speed	Mach 3+

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	AESA Multi-Function Radar
Radar Name	TRML-4D
Detection Range	250 km
Tracking Capacity	1,500 Targets (Tracking)
Guidance System	Infrared Imaging + Data Link Mid-Course Guidance
Fire Control System	Automated Digital Fire Control

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Truck-Mounted Vertical Launcher
No. of Missiles per Launcher	8
Reload Time	30–45 minutes
Mobility Platform	MAN 8x8 Tactical Truck
Crew Required	3–4 personnel

6. Command & Control

C2 System	Integrated Tactical Operations Center
Connectivity	Secure Data Link / NATO Compatible
Network Capability	Yes
Operation Mode	Autonomous / Networked

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	Germany, Ukraine
Combat Proven	Yes
Conflict History	Ukraine Conflict
Notable Feature	High Effectiveness vs Cruise Missiles

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 9 / 10
Operational Flexibility 7 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 7 / 10

PROS

High interception accuracy against cruise missiles and UAVs
Modern AESA radar integration
Mobile and rapidly deployable launch units
Strong resistance to electronic warfare
Network capable for layered defense integration

CONS

Shorter range compared to long range systems
Limited ballistic missile defense capability
High acquisition and sustainment cost
Dependent on external radar and C2 integration
Reload process requires dedicated support vehicles

IRIS-T SLM Medium-Range Air Defense System

The IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System is a modern, ground based surface to air missile platform designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems. Built for medium range air defense, it provides layered protection for military bases, cities, and critical infrastructure. The system has gained international attention for its operational deployment in high threat environments, where it has demonstrated strong interception capability against complex aerial attacks.

Manufacturer

IRIS-T SLM is developed and produced by Diehl Defence, headquartered in Germany. The system is derived from the IRIS-T air to air missile program and adapted into a vertically launched surface to air configuration. It integrates advanced radar, command and control, and mobile launch vehicles for rapid deployment and high survivability.

Speed and Range

The IRIS-T SLM missile has a maximum engagement range of approximately 40 km and can intercept targets at altitudes up to 20 km. The missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 3, enabling quick reaction against fast moving threats. Equipped with an infrared imaging seeker and data link guidance, it offers high accuracy and resistance to electronic countermeasures.

Cost / Price

While exact figures vary by contract, the estimated cost of an IRIS-T SLM battery ranges between USD 140 million and USD 160 million, depending on configuration, radar package, and support systems.

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