The IRIS-T SLM launcher unit is based on a MAN 8x8 truck chassis with eight missile container launchers mounted at the rear of the truck. The missile container launchers arrangement consists of two banks of four missiles. In the firing position, the container missile launchers are erected in the vertical position at the rear of the truck.

The IRIS-T SLM missile is based on the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile that entered into service with the German Air Force in December 2005. IRIS-T has a high-resolution infrared seeker with a wide field of view enabling airborne engagement at close and very short ranges, but interception at greater distances as well. The target can be assigned by onboard radar or the pilot’s helmet visor. State-of-the-art image processing technologies ensure precise control in real-time with optimal accuracy as well as excellent EMC resistance also covering modern blinding lasers. Simultaneously, thrust vector control provides unrivaled maneuverability allowing the engagement of targets behind the aircraft. IRIS-T’s exceptional precision in combination with a radar proximity fuse also permits the interception of adversaries’ missiles. The missile of the IRIS-T SLM is equipped with a more powerful engine. The missile uses additional radio command guidance (combined with inertial-satellite correction) in the main trajectory section with infrared CNS type IIR target acquisition in the final section. It integrates an imaging IR seeker, dogfight-optimized rocket motor, wings, and a combined aerodynamic and thrust vector control. The seeker-assisted radar proximity fuse and the large warhead give the missile a remarkable antimissile capability. Predictive flight path tracking and lock-on-after-launch features enable the missile to engage targets in the rear hemisphere as well. The IRCCM and DIRCCM capabilities of IRIS-T are unmatched and the missile literally needs no maintenance. IRIS-T is a state-of-the-art fire-and-forget short-range air-to-air missile with unrivaled close in-combat and intercepts performance. The missile has the capability to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar rockets, and large-caliber rockets. it also has a high probability of a killing shot against UAVs and other small maneuvering threats. It has a maximum firing range of 40 km at an altitude of up to 20 km.