German Air Force soldiers are currently providing tactical training to Ukrainian soldiers on the IRIS-T Infra-Red Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector controlled SLM air defense system. They draw on their experience with similar systems that have already been introduced into the German armed forces.
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Launcher vehicle of the IRIS-T Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail/Thrust Vector controlled SLM air defense system (Picture source: Bundeswehr/German armed forces)

The IRIS-T Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail/Thrust Vector controlled SLM (Infra-Red Imaging System - Thrust Vector Controlled - Surface Launched Medium Range) weapon system can be deployed against a wide range of threats, including aerial threats such as drones, aircraft, helicopters or cruise missiles.

In his budget speech last June, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised to support Ukraine in procuring the IRIS-T Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail/Thrust Vector controlled SLM. A system has now been delivered to Ukraine and is being used by the Ukrainian armed forces to protect the population and critical infrastructure from Russian airstrikes. Integrated into the existing air defense systems, further threats from the air can now be combated.

German air defense specialists take over the parts of the tactical training and draw on their experience with similar systems already introduced in the Bundeswehr, such as the Ozelot weapon system. For this purpose, small situations are imported or the use of the system is simulated using generic scenarios.

Structure of the weapon system

A fire unit of the IRIS-T Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail/Thrust Vector controlled SLM consists of the command post, a radar device and several launch devices for firing the guided missiles. Other vehicles are used for maintenance and loading the launchers with guided missiles.

The guided missiles are a further development of the IRIS-T Infra-Red Imaging System - Tail/Thrust Vector controlled missiles already used on the Eurofighter. An additional rocket engine ensures rapid acceleration after launch and increases the range several times over the air-to-air version. The thrust vector control gives the guided missile an extremely high level of maneuverability, which makes it almost impossible to dodge or turn around.

In addition, the modular structure of the system ensures that it can be moved quickly by air transport. A timely procurement of the IRIS T-SLM can also be considered for the Bundeswehr. Thanks to the tactical training, the Luftwaffe specialists can already gain initial impressions of one of the most modern air defense systems.

Defense News March 2023