Germany Plans to Purchase 50 IRIS-T SLM Air Defense Systems

The German army plans to purchase 50 IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems, which would be supplied not only to the Air Force but also to newly established Army air defense units.

The Defence Network reported this, citing military sources.

According to the media outlet, the systems are intended for both the Air Force and the new Army air defense units — a shift from previous practice, in which medium-range air defense belonged exclusively to the Air Force.

This distribution would upend the current concept of the Near and Very Near Range Protection (NNbS) project. Within that framework, the Air Force’s responsibility began at the IRIS-T SLM level, while all shorter-range systems fell under Army Air Defense.

The first Army air defense battalion slated to receive IRIS-T SLM systems will be the newly formed unit in Lüneburg, expected to complete its formation within a year. However, its primary weapon system will be the Skyranger anti-aircraft artillery platform based on the Boxer infantry fighting vehicle.

IRIS-T SLM for the Bundeswehr

Germany has so far contracted six IRIS-T SLM systems. One has been undergoing testing at BAAINBw for more than a year, while the remaining five are scheduled for delivery in 2026.

In April 2025, it was reported that the Bundeswehr could not start operating the IRIS-T SLM system purchased in September 2024 because it had not yet been certified under German safety standards.

All six systems will be transferred to the Air Force, specifically to the 61 Surface-to-Air Missile Group in Todendorf. According to the publication, another 12 IRIS-T SLM systems are planned for the 1st Surface-to-Air Missile Wing.

In total, 50 IRIS-T SLM systems are expected to be ordered to equip Army air defense units, but the final allocation between the Army and Air Force has not yet been determined.

Staffing remains a challenge across so many systems. Defense Network reports that personnel for the six already contracted systems can be provided without difficulty.

The next phase, involving 12 additional units, also appears feasible. But if the military ultimately fields 50 IRIS-T SLM systems, a significant personnel buildup will be required. The Bundeswehr has yet to determine how many operators are needed to run each system in the field.

The German Air Force also sees a need to procure the longer-range IRIS-T SLX missiles for the system, which remain under development.

The IRIS-T SLX version is still in development. Diehl Defense notes that the upgraded system is expected to engage air targets at ranges of up to 80 km and altitudes of up to 30 km.