IRIS-T SLS MK 4 Air Defense System

Full Specifications

IRIS-T SLS MK 4: Advanced Mobile Short-Range Air Defense System

The IRIS-T SLS MK 4 represents a significant evolution in short-range air defense, offering a highly mobile, all-in-one solution for protecting maneuver forces and critical assets from modern aerial threats. Unveiled in June 2026, this fourth-generation system builds on the proven IRIS-T family to address evolving challenges like drone swarms, low-flying helicopters, and cruise missiles in contested environments.

Manufacturer and Origin

Developed by German company Diehl Defence, the IRIS-T SLS MK 4 leverages the core IRIS-T air-to-air missile, originally a multinational European program involving Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Spain, and Sweden. The surface-launched variant adapts the missile with software modifications for ground-based operations while retaining its advanced imaging infrared seeker and thrust-vector control for exceptional maneuverability.

Capabilities

The MK 4 integrates radar (typically Saab Giraffe 1X), command-and-control, launcher, and missiles onto a single wheeled platform, such as a Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6×6, enabling rapid deployment and “fire-on-the-move” potential. It features an effective engagement range of up to 12 km and altitude coverage up to 6 km, with capacity for eight ready-to-fire missiles (quad-packed). The system excels against a wide array of targets, including aircraft, UAVs, helicopters, and cruise missiles, thanks to its jamming-resistant IR seeker and high automation for minimal crew requirements.

Performance

The missile achieves speeds around Mach 2 (approximately 680 m/s), providing quick reaction times ideal for short-range threats. Its design emphasizes a small inner dead zone and 360-degree engagement capability.

Cost

Individual IRIS-T SLS missiles are cost-effective, estimated at approximately €0.43–0.56 million each, making the system attractive for high-volume engagements against lower-end threats compared to more expensive medium-range alternatives.

The IRIS-T SLS MK 4 enhances layered air defense architectures favored by NATO partners, offering flexible, network-enabled protection for forward-deployed units.