# IRIS-T

**IRIS-T** (InfraRed Imaging System, Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a European short-range, fire-and-forget air-to-air missile with an imaging infrared seeker and thrust-vector control, developed under German leadership by Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden with Diehl Defence as main contractor<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup>. Introduced into service on 5 December 2005, it replaces the [AIM-9 Sidewinder](https://www.edgepedia.org/aim-9-sidewinder) in the German Luftwaffe and has since been delivered in more than 5,000 units to the air forces of 13 nations<sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup>. The same missile also forms the basis of a family of surface-launched air defense systems, IRIS-T SLS, IRIS-T SLM, and the IRIS-T SLX under development<sup>[4](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/schutzschirm-luftangriffe-europa-5384580)</sup>.

| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Short-range, all-aspect, fire-and-forget air-to-air missile<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup> |
| Dimensions | 2.94 m long, 12.7 cm diameter, 45 cm wingspan, 88 kg launch weight<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup> |
| Performance | Maximum range approximately 25 km; maximum speed Mach 3<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup> |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared seeker with intelligent image processing; radar proximity fuze<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup> |
| Control | Aerodynamic control combined with thrust-vector control<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup> |
| Consortium | Germany (lead), Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden; Diehl Defence prime contractor<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup> |
| Service entry | 5 December 2005; over 5,000 missiles delivered since introduction<sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup> |
| Surface-launched family | IRIS-T SLS (short range), IRIS-T SLM (medium range, 40 km), IRIS-T SLX (80 km, in development)<sup>[4](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/schutzschirm-luftangriffe-europa-5384580)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[5](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)</sup> |

## Development and consortium

IRIS-T was developed as aircraft armament for air-to-air missions within a European cooperation program, with Germany as the pilot nation and Diehl Defence as prime contractor<sup>[6](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/render-tab-content/2511)</sup>. The industrial project united Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden, and was designed from the outset to meet the requirements of six European air forces<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://www.japcc.org/wp-content/uploads/JAPCC_Journal_Edition_6.pdf)</sup>.

Diehl's corporate history records a successful test of the self-developed short-range missile in 1996, and in December 2004 the signing of the series-production contract for IRIS-T, which the company describes as the largest order in its history<sup>[8](https://www.diehl.com/group/de/unternehmen/geschichte/)</sup>. Series production has run since 2005<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup>.

## Design and guidance

The missile's defining feature is its imaging infrared seeker with a very large off-boresight angle and intelligent image processing. Through digital signal processing, high resolution, and computer-aided image processing, the seeker can distinguish the target's heat source from infrared decoys such as flares<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup>. Saab describes the seeker as providing high resolution, target discrimination, and flare suppression even against the latest countermeasures, with an acquisition range compatible with the missile's full kinematic range<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup>.

**Maneuverability and engagement envelope.** Aerodynamic control combined with thrust-vector control and optimized fins gives the missile what the [Bundeswehr](https://www.edgepedia.org/bundeswehr) calls a unique maneuvering capability<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup>. The combination of a solid-propellant motor and thrust-vector control allows highly maneuverable targets to be engaged anywhere, including directly behind the firing aircraft; the pilot can counter attacks from the rear without changing the aircraft's course<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup>. IRIS-T can be used in lock-on before and after launch operations<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup>.

Although a fired IRIS-T often results in a direct hit, it carries a proximity fuze and a high-explosive fragmented warhead<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup>. Its precision in combination with the radar proximity fuze also permits interception of an adversary's missiles<sup>[9](https://www.diehl.com/cms/files/EN_Defence_e_Internet_2017.pdf)</sup>.

**Sidewinder compatibility.** The missile's diameter, length, mass, and center-of-gravity position were deliberately chosen so it is compatible with its Sidewinder predecessor, and the launcher interface suits both the previous analog Sidewinder interface and modern fighters' digital interfaces<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup>. In [Luftwaffe](https://www.edgepedia.org/luftwaffe) service it replaces the AIM-9 Sidewinder<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup>.

## Operators and platforms

IRIS-T is among the standard armament of the Eurofighter/Typhoon and Gripen and is integrated into the F-16, Tornado, EF-18, KF-21, and F-5E platforms<sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup>. The Luftwaffe arms its Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft with it<sup>[3](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)</sup>. In the [Swedish Air Force](https://www.edgepedia.org/swedish-air-force) the missile is also designated Rb98<sup>[1](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)</sup>. Beyond the six program nations, further countries worldwide have procured IRIS-T<sup>[6](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/render-tab-content/2511)</sup>.

## Surface-launched variants

The air-to-air missile also serves as the basis for ground-based air defense. The Bundeswehr fields the IRIS-T system in a surface-launched configuration suitable for short ranges (IRIS-T SLS, Surface-Launched Short Range) and medium ranges (IRIS-T SLM, Surface-Launched Medium Range)<sup>[4](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/schutzschirm-luftangriffe-europa-5384580)</sup>.

**IRIS-T SLM.** The Luftwaffe introduced IRIS-T SLM as a new ground-based air defense system, developed by Diehl Defence in multinational cooperation. The system consists of a radar and command system, several launchers for IRIS-T missiles, a mobile maintenance component, and a reloading vehicle. It can engage enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones at altitudes up to 20 km and a range of 40 km. Germany is procuring six systems, to be delivered by 2027 as part of the Luftwaffe's future modular air defense system, complementing the older Patriot system<sup>[5](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)</sup>. The first unit was handed over at Todendorf in the presence of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius<sup>[5](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)</sup>.

**IRIS-T SLX.** Diehl Defence is developing the SLX variant, intended, according to the company, to protect against threatening targets at up to 80 km distance and up to 30 km altitude<sup>[5](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)</sup>.

The Norwegian Air Force demonstrated in a 2016 test firing that IRIS-T can also engage sea targets<sup>[6](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/render-tab-content/2511)</sup>.

## Combat use in Ukraine

IRIS-T SLM has been in operational use in Ukraine since 2022, where the Bundeswehr reports it has proven its capability<sup>[4](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/schutzschirm-luftangriffe-europa-5384580)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[5](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)</sup>. In the months before January 2023, Germany pledged four IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine, alongside United States pledges of NASAMS and Avenger systems<sup>[10](https://apnews.com/article/6bb6e815e77b0d6b83590d344eb884bb)</sup>. Ukrainian forces have also trained on the system; the Bundeswehr reports training Ukrainian soldiers on systems including Patriot and IRIS-T SLM that Germany delivered to Ukraine<sup>[11](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/selbstverstaendnis/geschichte-bundeswehr/geschichte-luftwaffe/70-jahre-bodengebundene-luftverteidigung)</sup>.

## Further development

In late December 2024, Diehl Defence and the BAAINBw (the German armed forces' office for equipment, information technology, and in-service support) concluded an agreement covering both the further development and the serial manufacture of the IRIS-T Block II Overall Missile System. In addition to Germany as lead nation, Sweden, Spain, and Italy joined the development program<sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup>. Diehl states that the missile will be improved continuously in its original air-to-air role, with the future of the program secured by the multinational developer consortium<sup>[2](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)</sup>.

## References

1. [IRIS-T, Saab product page](https://www.saab.com/products/iris-t)
2. [Contract for the further development of IRIS-T Block II signed, Diehl Defence (30.01.2025)](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/press-media/news/contract-for-the-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii-signed)
3. [Luft-Luft-Rakete IRIS-T AIM-2000, Bundeswehr, Ausrüstung und Technik](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000)
4. [NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System: ein Abwehrsystem für Europa, Bundeswehr Luftwaffe](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/schutzschirm-luftangriffe-europa-5384580)
5. [Schwert und Schild am Himmel – das IRIS-T SLM, Bundeswehr Luftwaffe (05.09.2024)](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/luftwaffe/aktuelles/zeitenwende-luftverteidigung-5833744)
6. [IRIS-T, Diehl Defence product page](https://new.diehl.com/defence/en/render-tab-content/2511)
7. [JAPCC Journal Edition 6, IRIS-T program overview](https://www.japcc.org/wp-content/uploads/JAPCC_Journal_Edition_6.pdf)
8. [Geschichte, Diehl Gruppe](https://www.diehl.com/group/de/unternehmen/geschichte/)
9. [Diehl Defence brochure (2017), IRIS-T seeker description](https://www.diehl.com/cms/files/EN_Defence_e_Internet_2017.pdf)
10. [Ukrainian troops to train on Patriot system in Oklahoma, AP News](https://apnews.com/article/6bb6e815e77b0d6b83590d344eb884bb)
11. [70 Jahre bodengebundene Luftverteidigung der Luftwaffe, Bundeswehr](https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/selbstverstaendnis/geschichte-bundeswehr/geschichte-luftwaffe/70-jahre-bodengebundene-luftverteidigung)

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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Technology and the built world › Engineering and manufacturing › Missiles and rocketry › Air-to-air missiles*

*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Edited: Sep 30, 2026; Oct 15, 2026 · Last review: Oct 15, 2026*

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License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license