Four NATO Countries Order Development of IRIS-T Block II Missile

Diehl Defence has been awarded a contract to develop the IRIS-T Block II air-to-air missile for four NATO countries.

This was reported on the company’s website.

A new version of the long-known short-range infrared-guided missile will be developed for Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden.

The agreement was signed at the end of last month with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

The contract, the value of which was not disclosed, provides for the development and serial production of new missiles.

Diehl Defense does not disclose the details of planned upgrades to the IRIS-T missile. It is also unknown when the development is planned to be completed.

IRIS-T

IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled) is a European short-range air-to-air missile. IRIS-T is among the standard armament of the Eurofigther/Typhoon and Gripen and is integrated into the platforms F-16, Tornado, EF-18, KF-21 and F-5E.

The missile is also used in the IRIS-T SLS air defense system, which is in service with the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

The missile is 2900 mm long with a diameter of 127 mm and weighs 88 kilograms. The fuselage and engine are made of ultra-light composite materials to reduce weight.

The warhead of the missile is fragmentary, with ready-made striking elements. Its total mass is 11.4 kilograms. It is initiated by a contact fuse upon direct hit or by a radar-based contactless detonator upon close flight near the target.

In January, Militarnyi reported that Romania had begun work on integrating the IRIS-T missile into modernized locally produced IAR-99 SM trainer and light attack aircraft.

Last October, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) signed a contract with Diehl Defence for technical support and integration of the IRIS-T missiles.