IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System, Tested in Ukraine, Now Installed on German Navy Frigate

A new naval version of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system has been tested aboard a German F125-class frigate.

Diehl Defence, the manufacturer, reported the test results.

Missile launches from the ship-mounted installation took place during Maritime Firing Exercise 2025 (the largest German Navy missile exercise in three decades) held off the coast of Norway.

According to Diehl Defence, the new Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) module was developed in record time through close cooperation with the German Navy.

The module was installed on the deck of the Baden-Württemberg-class frigate.

The company stated that the demonstration model was built in under ten months, from initial concept to live missile firing.

“The IRIS-T air defense system, which has already proven its combat performance in Ukraine, also demonstrated its known capabilities at sea and achieved a high hit rate,” the manufacturer said.

Diehl Defence noted that this marks the first successful test of a naval variant of the IRIS-T system using the IRIS-T missile family.

The successful trial, the company added, opens the way for serial deployment of IRIS-T SLM systems on warships.

Defense media outlet Hartpunkt reported that the F125 frigate was selected for the trial because the class lacks sufficient air defense systems, and equipping it with the IRIS-T SLM would significantly enhance its capabilities.

In late August, Germany delivered an eighth IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system to Ukraine — the second of its kind supplied in 2025.

The system has a range of up to 40 kilometers and is effective against drones, cruise missiles, aircraft, and other aerial targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers.