The distribution of responsibilities of the companies involved in the IRIS-T SLM production for Ukraine was made public.

IRIS-T SLM systems for Ukraine are being assembled as quickly as the production process allows.

Diehl Defence is the general contractor and system integrator for IRIS-T SLM. It is delivering the launcher along with the missiles.

Germany’s Hensoldt contributes the multifunctional radar TRML-4D.

The Spanish SENER Aeroespacial is also engaged in the IRIS-T programs.

The company manufactures control sections and wings for IRIS-T air-to-air missiles and develops control sections for IRIS-T SL surface-to-air missiles.

The Integrated Battle Management Software Fire Control (IBMS-FS) for the tactical operation center comes from Airbus.

Diehl Defence, Hensoldt, and Airbus have been cooperating in ground-based air defense for a long time. Among others, they offer the IRIS-T SLM system designed for medium ranges of 40 km distance and 20 km altitude.

Diehl Defence is currently developing the IRIS-T SLX system with increased performance.

It will allow hitting targets at a distance of up to 80 km along with altitude coverage of up to 30 km.

Hensoldt and Airbus are partners to Diehl Defence on this new development.

IRIS-T of Ukraine

In early June 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced the intention to transfer the IRIS-T air defense system, along with other weapons systems, following Ukraine’s request.

According to the German media, Ukraine’s request included the supply of up to 11 air defense systems, but their production will take several years.

At this time, the transfer of four IRIS-T SLM systems has been agreed upon. The cost of one is estimated at €140 million.

The deal with Ukraine for the supply of the first system, along with assistance, training, and missiles, was signed in June at the Eurosatory-2022 exhibition in Paris.

According to the Diehl Defense representative, the deal for the supply of three additional systems was signed recently.

The company offers a 12-week training course for Ukrainian servicemen in Germany.

The German IRIS-T air defense system has already passed its baptism of fire in Ukraine.

“IRIS-T demonstrated itself extremely well. This information will be passed on to the German side,” Yuriy Ihnat, Spokesman of the Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces, recently shared.

He noted that the first system was put to use during the latest Russian shelling.