German IRIS-T SLM air defence deployment

The IRIS-T SLM air-defence system, developed by Diehl Defence, is undergoing various operational adaptations and certifications for the German military.

In October 2026, Diehl Defence and the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract to adapt the system for use on the German Navy’s F125 frigates. This project follows successful maritime testing conducted in Norway in October 2025, where live missile launches demonstrated the connection between ship sensors and the weapon system. The adaptation aims to enhance the self-defence capabilities of the Baden-Württemberg class frigates.

Concurrently, the German Air Force has completed operational system certification for the IRIS-T SLM. During the Spartan Arrow exercise in Crete, the Air Defense Missile Group 61 conducted its first live fire, testing the integration of the TRML-4D radar, the Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC), and the missile launcher. The exercise demonstrated the system’s ability to coordinate with other air defence layers, such as Swedish Patriot units and the German Light Air Defense System (LeFlaSys), within a single operations center.