German air defence turns corner with IRIS-T SLM commissioning
Germany’s Chancellor Scholz and Defence Minister Pistorius together presided over the commissioning ceremony of the IRIS-T Surface Launched Medium Range (SLM) air defence system on 4 September 2024 at Todenhorf, marking a milestone for the Bundeswehr’s capability versus airborne threats, including drones, helicopters, aircraft, and cruise missiles.
The IRIS-T SLM is equipped with advanced missile interception technology. The system’s infrared imaging capability allows it to track and target a wide range of threats with precision, even under challenging conditions. Its agility and mobility make it well-suited for rapid deployment in crisis situations, a feature that has been particularly valuable in Ukraine, where the system has been deployed to protect key infrastructure from air strikes.
In his speech at the event, Chancellor Scholz reiterated Germany’s commitment to European security, stating that the new air defence capabilities would help protect not just Germany but its allies as well.
“The importance of our work cannot be overstated. We are talking about nothing less than protecting peace in Europe, especially in light of the Russian threats that have become increasingly apparent. Russia’s mass deployment of missiles and troops near our borders has led us to build up our air defenses, and this includes the establishment of missile defense systems capable of countering threats from Kaliningrad and elsewhere. We cannot and will not allow the peace we have built to be endangered,” said Scholz.
Germany’s turning point
As security concerns continue to rise across Europe, Germany’s investment in such advanced systems signals a clear intent to strengthen its defensive posture. See Also:Netherlands develop Patriot launching stations through US deal Army Technology Excellence Awards 2024: CRFS
While traditionally cautious about military spending, Germany’s “Zeitenwende” (turning point) initiative represents a marked departure from its previous policies, reflecting the urgent need for modernisation in the face of contemporary threats. The introduction of the IRIS-T SLM system is a clear demonstration of this shift in focus, as the Bundeswehr looks to the future with a renewed emphasis on technological superiority and rapid responsiveness.
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles
on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Company Profile – free
sample
Your download email will arrive shortly
We are confident about the
unique
quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most
beneficial
decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by
submitting the below form
By GlobalData
Country *
UK
USA
Afghanistan
Åland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bonaire, Sint
Eustatius
and
Saba
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean
Territory
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Democratic Republic
of
the Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Côte d"Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern
Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island and
McDonald
Islands
Holy See
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
North Korea
South Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Macedonia,
The
Former
Yugoslav Republic of
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Territory
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Réunion
Romania
Russian Federation
Rwanda
Saint
Helena,
Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and
The
Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South
Georgia
and The South
Sandwich Islands
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Syrian Arab Republic
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
US Minor Outlying Islands
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
British Virgin Islands
US Virgin Islands
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Kosovo
Industry *
Academia & Education
Aerospace, Defense &
Security
Agriculture
Asset Management
Automotive
Banking & Payments
Chemicals
Construction
Consumer
Foodservice
Government, trade bodies
and NGOs
Health & Fitness
Hospitals & Healthcare
HR, Staffing &
Recruitment
Insurance
Investment Banking
Legal Services
Management Consulting
Marketing & Advertising
Media & Publishing
Medical Devices
Mining
Oil & Gas
Packaging
Pharmaceuticals
Power & Utilities
Private Equity
Real Estate
Retail
Sport
Technology
Telecom
Transportation &
Logistics
Travel, Tourism &
Hospitality
Venture Capital
Tick here to opt out of curated industry news, reports, and event updates from Army Technology.
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
Having been introduced in just over half a year, the speed with which the IRIS-T SLM system has been integrated after receiving approval from the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag is notable. “The collaboration between the Bundeswehr and industry has been a tremendous success. The Bundeswehr is now well-prepared, and the air defence system IRIS-T SLM is a key part of that. This system, which we are proud to deploy here, represents a significant leap forward in our ability to defend not just Germany but all of Europe,” said Pistorius.
Enhancing Nato’s air defence
The IRIS-T SLM system is a cutting-edge, agile solution designed to enhance Nato’s integrated air and missile defence architecture, specifically in providing short-range protection. The system’s primary function is to intercept and neutralise airborne threats at close range, adding another layer of protection within Nato’s broader air defence strategy.
While it is a key addition to Germany’s own military capabilities, the IRIS-T SLM will also play a vital role in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). ESSI is a multinational effort to support European air defences, launched in response to an increasing threat environment and Russia’s increasingly adversarial behaviour.
The system has already proven its effectiveness in Ukraine, where it has been deployed under live combat conditions, protecting civilian infrastructure from Russian air strikes. Germany has provided several units of the IRIS-T system to Ukraine as part of its military aid package, and the system’s success in defending against Russian missiles has been widely acknowledged.
Preparing for the future
Following the commissioning of the IRIS-T SLM system at Todendorf, the Bundeswehr announced plans to establish a dedicated IRIS-T SLM training centre for the system at the same location. The centre is expected to be operational by 2026 and will serve as a hub for multinational training efforts under the European Sky Shield Initiative.
Once complete, the training facility will cater to the needs of other countries participating in ESSI, aiming to ensure partner nations can operate the IRIS-T system effectively.
Sign up for our daily news round-up!
Give your business an edge with our leading industry insights.