The German Armed Forces have received the first battery of the IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system, according to Presseportal.

The system was handed over to the army a year after the adoption of the relevant budget, under which the German Armed Forces have to receive six batteries of the IRIS-T SLM.

Currently, the transferred missile system will be integrated into the overall air defense systems of both Germany and NATO.

In total, the budget committee will allocate about €950 million for the purchase of these systems, with serial deliveries to begin in 2025.

It is planned that the order will be completed in 2027, thereby enhancing Germany’s ability to provide air defense for its own territory, as well as for members of the Skyshield initiative.

It should be noted that the IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system has demonstrated unsurpassed effectiveness in intercepting air targets, which has led most European countries to place orders for these systems.

The main export customers of this system are Ukraine, Egypt, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria and Slovenia.

Previously, Militarnyi reported that Germany had adjusted plans to purchase IRIS-T air defense systems for its armed forces.

Initially, the Bundeswehr planned to purchase eight air defense systems, but then this number was revised and reduced to six systems.

In addition, Bulgaria will consider the possibility of purchasing IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems from Germany to strengthen its air defense.

At the same time, the possibility of purchasing up to five additional SLMs and one longer-range SLX system is mentioned.