The IRIS-T SLS is a short-range, surface-launched air defense missile system developed by the German Company Diehl Defence, a leading German defense manufacturer. It is designed to provide rapid and highly mobile protection against a variety of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles. As the short-range component of the IRIS-T Surface-Launched (SL) family, the SLS version serves as a cost-effective and efficient air defense solution by leveraging the IRIS-T air-to-air missile in a ground-based role.
Country users: Estonia, Germany, Norway, Sweden,
Technical Data
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Launcher Unit
The IRIS-T SLS launcher is a lightweight, modular system designed for high mobility and rapid deployment. It is housed in a 10-foot ISO frame, making it compatible with a variety of military vehicle platforms and enabling easy transportation and integration into different operational settings. The launcher can accommodate between four and six IRIS-T surface-to-air missiles in ready-to-fire canisters, providing a high rate of fire and rapid reloading capability. Positioned on a rotating platform, the launcher allows for full 360-degree engagement, ensuring comprehensive protection from threats approaching from any direction. The system is remotely operated and connected to a central command unit, which issues fire control commands and coordinates engagements within a networked air defense environment.
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Missile
The IRIS-T missile used in the SLS system is a highly maneuverable, infrared-guided interceptor with exceptional accuracy and resistance to countermeasures. It features an advanced imaging infrared seeker that enables precise target acquisition and tracking, even in environments where electronic jamming or countermeasures such as flares are deployed. The missile is approximately 2.9 meters in length, has a diameter of 127 mm, and weighs around 87 kg. Its high-explosive fragmentation warhead is optimized for aerial targets, ensuring a high probability of direct hit and effective destruction upon impact.
With an effective range of up to 12 km and an altitude coverage of 8 km, the IRIS-T SLS provides robust defense against low- and medium-altitude threats. The missile’s thrust-vector control system allows for exceptional maneuverability, enabling it to engage highly agile targets such as fighter jets and drones. The system operates on a fire-and-forget principle, meaning the missile does not require further guidance after launch, allowing operators to engage multiple threats simultaneously. Its all-weather capability ensures effective operation in diverse climatic conditions, making it a highly versatile asset in modern air defense.
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Mobility
The IRIS-T SLS missile launcher station is mounted on various high-mobility military platforms to ensure rapid deployment and operational flexibility. It is commonly integrated onto high-mobility trucks such as the MAN HX series or Unimog platforms, which provide excellent off-road capability while maintaining high-speed maneuverability on paved roads. According to a picture released on X on February 8, 2025, the IRIS-T SLS used by the Ukrainian army is based on Italian-made Iveco Eurocargo 4x4 chassis. These vehicles are configured in 4x4, 6x6, or 8x8 setups depending on mission requirements, offering an operational range of over 600 km and a top speed of approximately 90 km/h. This mobility allows the system to quickly reposition in response to evolving threats, ensuring continuous air defense coverage for maneuvering ground forces.
In addition to truck-mounted configurations, the IRIS-T SLS missile launcher station can also be mounted on the BvS10 all-terrain tracked amphibious vehicle, which consists of a two-section articulated platform designed for extreme mobility in challenging terrains such as snow, swamps, and mountainous regions. The BvS10 features a front crew compartment and a rear cargo unit, with the IRIS-T SLS launcher mounted on the rear section. This configuration enables deployment in amphibious operations, Arctic warfare, and other difficult environments where wheeled platforms may be limited. The combination of wheeled and tracked vehicle integration ensures that the IRIS-T SLS can be deployed in diverse operational scenarios, from conventional battlefield environments to specialized terrains.
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Command and Control Vehicles
The IRIS-T SLS is fully integrated into networked air defense architectures, utilizing advanced command and control (C2) systems for fire coordination and threat management. The system operates within a mobile command post, typically housed in an armored vehicle for protection, where operators receive target data and engage threats in real time. The IRIS-T SLS is compatible with modern 3D radar systems, such as the TRML-4D and Giraffe 4A, which provide high-resolution target tracking and engagement support.
The fire control system is fully automated, allowing for rapid target acquisition and engagement with minimal operator input. Additionally, the system is designed to function within NATO-standard data link frameworks, including Link 16 and SAMOC, ensuring seamless interoperability with allied air defense networks. An IRIS-T SLS battery typically consists of multiple launchers, a radar unit, and a mobile command center, forming a complete short-range air defense system capable of defending key operational areas.
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Combat Use
The IRIS-T SLS is designed for flexible deployment in a variety of combat scenarios, offering high responsiveness and adaptability to dynamic battlefield conditions. In a layered air defense strategy, it operates as a key component of short-range air defense, complementing medium-range systems such as the IRIS-T SLM and long-range systems like Patriot or NASAMS. The system is particularly effective in point-defense roles, where it protects critical assets such as military bases, airfields, and logistics centers from aerial attacks.
In mobile operations, the IRIS-T SLS provides escort protection for mechanized ground forces, ensuring that convoys and tactical formations remain shielded from air threats. The system’s high firing rate and rapid response time enable it to engage multiple incoming targets simultaneously, making it highly effective against swarm attacks or coordinated air assaults. Its fire-and-forget capability further enhances its efficiency, allowing operators to engage threats without continuous tracking or illumination.
With its combination of mobility, network integration, and high lethality, the IRIS-T SLS is a crucial asset for modern military forces seeking reliable short-range air defense. Its ability to operate in all weather conditions, along with its resistance to electronic countermeasures, ensures that it remains highly effective in contemporary and future combat environments.
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