# IRIS-T SL
**IRIS-T SL** (Surface-Launched) is the ground-launched version of the IRIS-T (Infra-Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) guided missile, a German short-range air-to-air missile produced by Diehl Defence since 2005 in cooperation with industrial partners from six European program nations: Germany (the pilot nation), Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and Spain.[1](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-sl2) Fired from the ground instead of from a fighter aircraft, the SL missile forms the core of Diehl's family of surface-based air defense systems: the short-range IRIS-T SLS, the medium-range IRIS-T SLM, and the extended-range IRIS-T SLX now in development.[1](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-sl2)
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Adapted from the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, standard weapon of the Eurofighter, F-16, EF-18, Tornado, and Gripen; in production since 2005[1](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-sl2) |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared seeker with intelligent image processing; thrust vector control combined with aerodynamic control surfaces[1](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-sl2) |
| SLS performance | Short-range system using the identical air-to-air missile hardware; effective range 12 km, altitude coverage 6 km[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/luftverteidigungssysteme/iris-t-sls2) |
| SLM performance | Medium-range system with an enlarged SL missile; effective intercept range 40 km, altitude coverage 20 km, instrumented range up to 250 km[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm) |
| Fire unit | Radar, tactical operations center, and three launchers (up to eight possible); each launcher carries and fires up to eight missiles[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm) |
| German procurement | Six fire units contracted on 22 June 2023; first unit handed over to the Luftwaffe on 4 September 2024[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units) • [5](https://euro-sd.com/2024/09/major-news/40238/luftwaffe-ioc-with-iris-t-slm/) |
| Combat record | First system delivered to Ukraine in October 2022; nine systems transferred by December 2025[6](https://www.baks.bund.de/en/working-papers/2024/a-roof-over-europe-ground-based-air-defence-after-the-zeitenwende) • [7](https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/nine-iris-t-systems-guarding-ukraine-s-skies-what-is-known-about-these-modern-air-defense-systems) |
## From air-to-air missile to ground launch
The IRIS-T air-to-air missile combines an imaging infrared seeker with thrust vector control and aerodynamic control surfaces, giving it the agility to engage targets head-on, in pursuit, and even behind the launching aircraft.[1](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-sl2) The surface-launched IRIS-T SL retains this missile technology but adds a booster and ground-launch interfaces so the weapon can be fired from vehicles rather than aircraft.[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm)
**Two launch configurations.** The short-range IRIS-T SLS fires the identical missile hardware used in the air, which lets operators draw on existing missile stocks and share one logistics chain, spare-parts set, and training concept between air and ground use.[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/luftverteidigungssysteme/iris-t-sls2) The medium-range IRIS-T SLM uses an enlarged SL missile with more propellant; the [Bundeswehr](https://www.edgepedia.org/bundeswehr) states the system engages aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and guided weapons including short-range ballistic missiles at an effective range of up to 40 km, with an instrumented range of up to 250 km.[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm)
## The system family
**IRIS-T SLS.** The SLS is a highly mobile short-range air defense (SHORAD) system covering 12 km in range and 6 km in altitude with 360-degree protection.[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/luftverteidigungssysteme/iris-t-sls2) Its architecture pairs a launcher with an integrated sensor module, including electro-optical sensors, and a network-capable command and control system; quad launch containers hold four missiles each, for eight per launcher, and the system can reload itself and is stabilized for firing.[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/luftverteidigungssysteme/iris-t-sls2) The launcher uses a standardized 15-foot ISO interface, so it can be mounted on a variety of wheeled or tracked vehicles.[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/luftverteidigungssysteme/iris-t-sls2) Ukraine's Ministry of Defense lists the SLS altitude coverage as up to 8 km, somewhat above Diehl's published 6 km.[7](https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/nine-iris-t-systems-guarding-ukraine-s-skies-what-is-known-about-these-modern-air-defense-systems)
**IRIS-T SLM.** A complete SLM fire unit consists of a radar, a tactical operations center (TOC), and three launchers, with up to eight launchers possible in one unit.[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm) Each launcher is mounted on a 20-foot ISO container and can be deployed up to 20 km from the common tactical operations center, operated remotely, and engage several targets simultaneously with its eight missiles.[8](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/bodengebundene-luftverteidigung/iris-t-slm2) The open system design allows different multifunction radars to be connected; the usual sensor is the Hensoldt TRML-4D, an AESA radar that detects, tracks, and classifies up to 1,500 aerial targets within a radius of up to 250 km, with a focus on small, fast, low-flying cruise missiles as well as aircraft and helicopters.[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm) • [9](https://annualreport2022.hensoldt.net/en/turning_point/focus/) The fire-control software for the command post, IBMS-FC, comes from Airbus, making the system an all-German product compatible with NATO's integrated air defense architecture.[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units) Diehl has also adapted the SLM launcher for German Navy F125 frigates after sea trials in 2025.[10](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/presse-medien/news)
**IRIS-T SLX.** The SLX is the extended-range development of the SLM missile. Diehl states a range of 80 km and altitude coverage above 25 km, with a bidirectional data link keeping the missile on an optimal trajectory until impact and a combined radar and infrared seeker for terminal guidance; the Bundeswehr describes the goal as engagement out to 80 km and up to 30 km altitude.[11](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/bodengebundene-luftverteidigung/evolution-of-iris-t) • [12](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744) SLX is designed to integrate into existing SLM fire units without changes to training, logistics, or command structures.[11](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/bodengebundene-luftverteidigung/evolution-of-iris-t)
## Procurement in Germany and Europe
Germany's procurement of IRIS-T SLM marked the start of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a German-led joint air defense procurement program launched in 2022.[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units) On 22 June 2023 the Bundeswehr procurement office BAAINBw signed a contract with Diehl Defence for six fire units, with Hensoldt supplying the radar and Airbus the battle management software; the first unit was handed over at the Todendorf training area on 4 September 2024 in the presence of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units) • [5](https://euro-sd.com/2024/09/major-news/40238/luftwaffe-ioc-with-iris-t-slm/) The six systems are to be delivered by 2027 as part of the Luftwaffe's future modular air defense, complementing the older Patriot system.[12](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)
Other European countries have ordered the system through ESSI. Slovenia became the first of the initiative's members to sign a program agreement with Germany for IRIS-T SLM, at a price of EUR 146.82 million excluding VAT for a complete system with supporting elements and missiles.[13](https://www.gov.si/en/news/2024-01-12-decision-on-the-selection-of-the-provider-of-the-medium-range-air-defence-system-becomes-final/) Estonia and Latvia signed a joint purchase agreement in September 2023 covering about EUR 1 billion worth of IRIS-T systems, and Austria, Estonia, Latvia, and Slovenia have ordered systems through the initiative.[14](https://apnews.com/article/24d27ba2bd4b184ff9640aac302318f5) • [6](https://www.baks.bund.de/en/working-papers/2024/a-roof-over-europe-ground-based-air-defence-after-the-zeitenwende) As of July 2024, 21 countries had joined ESSI.[6](https://www.baks.bund.de/en/working-papers/2024/a-roof-over-europe-ground-based-air-defence-after-the-zeitenwende)
## Combat use in Ukraine
Ukraine received the first IRIS-T SLM system in October 2022; the battery had originally been built for Egypt, which agreed at the German government's request to divert it to Ukraine.[6](https://www.baks.bund.de/en/working-papers/2024/a-roof-over-europe-ground-based-air-defence-after-the-zeitenwende) By December 2025 Germany had transferred nine IRIS-T systems, in both SLM and SLS configurations, which Ukraine integrates into its unified air defense network alongside other Western and legacy assets.[7](https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/nine-iris-t-systems-guarding-ukraine-s-skies-what-is-known-about-these-modern-air-defense-systems) Diehl, citing the customer, reported that the system achieved a 100 percent hit rate even in attack waves of more than 12 targets.[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units) Independent analysis by the [Royal United Services Institute](https://www.edgepedia.org/royal-united-services-institute) places the IRIS-T SLS/SLM among the main medium-range systems Ukraine used in 2026, describing them as highly effective point-defense assets against cruise missiles, while longer-range SAMP/T and Patriot batteries carry the anti-ballistic mission.[15](https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/four-years-update-air-war-over-ukraine)
The combat demand shaped German procurement in reverse: because early production went to Ukraine, the Bundeswehr received its own first system only in 2024.[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units) German crews had nonetheless become familiar with the system through the training provided to Ukrainian soldiers.[4](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units)
## References
1. [IRIS-T SL, Diehl Defence](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-sl2)
2. [IRIS-T SLS, Diehl Defence](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/luftverteidigungssysteme/iris-t-sls2)
3. [Luftverteidigungssystem IRIS-T SLM, Bundeswehr](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/landsysteme-bundeswehr/lenkflugkoerper-iris-t-slm)
4. [Germany procures six IRIS-T SLM fire units, Diehl Defence](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/germany-procures-six-iris-t-slm-fire-units)
5. [Luftwaffe achieves IOC with IRIS-T SLM air defence system, European Security & Defence](https://euro-sd.com/2024/09/major-news/40238/luftwaffe-ioc-with-iris-t-slm/)
6. [A Roof Over Europe? Ground-Based Air Defence After the Zeitenwende, Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik](https://www.baks.bund.de/en/working-papers/2024/a-roof-over-europe-ground-based-air-defence-after-the-zeitenwende)
7. [Nine IRIS-T systems guarding Ukraine's skies, Ministry of Defense of Ukraine](https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/nine-iris-t-systems-guarding-ukraine-s-skies-what-is-known-about-these-modern-air-defense-systems)
8. [IRIS-T SLM, Diehl Defence](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/bodengebundene-luftverteidigung/iris-t-slm2)
9. [Focus on the Zeitenwende, HENSOLDT Annual Report 2022](https://annualreport2022.hensoldt.net/en/turning_point/focus/)
10. [News, Diehl Defence](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/presse-medien/news)
11. [Die Evolution von IRIS-T, Diehl Defence](https://new.diehl.com/defence/de/produkte/bodengebundene-luftverteidigung/evolution-of-iris-t)
12. [Zeitenwende in der Luftverteidigung, Bundeswehr Luftwaffe](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)
13. [Decision on the selection of the provider of the medium-range air defence system becomes final, Government of Slovenia](https://www.gov.si/en/news/2024-01-12-decision-on-the-selection-of-the-provider-of-the-medium-range-air-defence-system-becomes-final/)
14. [Latvia and Estonia sign deal to buy German-made missile defense system, Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/24d27ba2bd4b184ff9640aac302318f5)
15. [Four Years On: An Update on the Air War Over Ukraine, RUSI](https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/four-years-update-air-war-over-ukraine)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Engineering and manufacturing › Missiles and rocketry › Surface-to-air and air defense*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 19, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*
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