# German IRIS-T SLM air defence deployment

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-iris-t-slm-air-defence-deployment
> Updated: 2026-10-14T16:58:22.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

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.

During the NATO SPARTAN ARROW 26 exercise, Airbus Defence and Space demonstrated digital air defence integration by linking the German IRIS-T SLM with the Swedish Air Force’s Patriot system using SAMOC (Surface to Air Missile Operations Centre) command and control software. This allowed for real-time data sharing and coordinated engagement. The training also tested multi-layered defense against cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch noted that the successful firing verified the system’s ‘operational reliability and high accuracy.’

## Claims

- The German Air Force completed the operational certification of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system at the NATO firing range NAMFI in Crete. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The 61st Air Defense Missile Group of the German Air Force conducted training on the integration of the TRML-4D radar, CTOC command center, and IRIS-T SLM launchers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The certification shot verified the operational reliability and high accuracy of the IRIS-T SLM system. (single source)
- Airbus Defence and Space integrated German and Swedish air defense systems through a common command and control network during the SPARTAN ARROW 26 exercise. (single source)
- Airbus developed the SAMOC software infrastructure to coordinate air defense units and enable real-time data sharing. (single source)
- The Swedish Air Force performed its first independent live ammunition firing using the Patriot system during the exercise. (single source)
- The German Armed Forces received their first IRIS-T SLM system in September 2024. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: German Air Force certifies IRIS-T SLM air defense system

The German Air Force has certified the IRIS-T SLM air defense system following successful live-fire tests and digital integration with Swedish Patriot systems during a NATO exercise in Crete.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-air-force-completes-iris-t-slm-air-defense-certification

### 2026-10-02: Diehl Defence to adapt IRIS-T SLM for German Navy F125 frigates

Diehl Defence will adapt the IRIS-T SLM air-defence system for Germany’s F125 frigates to enhance their maritime self-defence capabilities following successful sea trials.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/diehl-defence-to-adapt-iris-t-slm-for-german-navy-f125-frigates

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Cite as: German IRIS-T SLM air defence deployment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-iris-t-slm-air-defence-deployment