Germany delivers one additional IRIS-T SLM air defense system & TRML-4D radar to Ukraine.

As reported by the German Ministry of Defense (MoD) on October 27, 2023, the Federal Republic of Germany supplied Ukraine with one more IRIS-T SLM air defense system and an additional TRML-4D air surveillance radar. This latest delivery increased the total number of IRIS-T SLM systems and TRML-4D radars provided to Ukraine by Germany to three and four, respectively since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
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The IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system has a maximum firing range of 40 km. (Picture source: Diehl Defense)

Ukraine is actively pursuing additional air defense systems, particularly in preparation for the winter season, as demonstrated by the FrankenSAM program. Discussions with allies are ongoing to secure these deliveries, and these systems are expected to be vital for defending against aerial threats, particularly during the winter months when attacks on critical infrastructure are anticipated. Without a robust air defense system, Ukraine would be at a disadvantage in countering or deterring aerial threats, potentially resulting in military setbacks and the loss of critical infrastructure and strategic positions.

The IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range air defense missile system produced by the German company Diehl Defense, which offers 360° protection against a range of threats, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and guided weapons. The system typically includes launcher trucks, a multifunction radar for target detection and tracking, and a command post truck for command and control.

The missile launcher unit of the IRIS-T SLM is mounted on a MAN 8x8 truck chassis, featuring eight missile container launchers arranged in two banks of four missiles. This air defense system is able to engage various aerial threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, and UAVs at a maximum firing range of up to 40 km. The system is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously at short to medium ranges with missiles based on the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile. These missiles can be guided by onboard radar or the pilot's helmet visor and feature image processing technology for precision and electronic countermeasures resistance.

The TRML-4D radar, developed by Hensoldt, is designed for C-band (NATO G-band) operations and is a remote-controlled mobile unit primarily used in ground-based air defense applications. It features a software-defined sensor system, and the AESA look-back feature, which enables fast-track initiation, confirmation, high-priority tracking, and robust weapon support tracks with a high update rate. The radar system is designed for rapid deployment and removal, with setup and disassembly taking around 10 minutes.

The TRML-4D radar uses Pulse Doppler technology and a GaN Solid State AESA, allowing the radar to detect and track targets at ranges of up to 250 km and providing comprehensive elevation coverage for surveillance and tracking. The radar system can simultaneously track more than 1,500 targets in 3D, offering accurate tracking for fighter aircraft at ranges exceeding 120 km and supersonic missiles at distances greater than 60 km.