IRIS-T SLM is a German medium-range ground-based air-defense system built around networked launchers, a radar, and a Common Tactical Operations Center. Diehl describes the SLM fire unit as a mobile 40 km and 20 km altitude layer for aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones; Ukraine has fielded it during the Russia-Ukraine War, and NATO customers have ordered or received fire units for layered air defense.
Germany delivered IRIS-T SLM combat units to Ukraine during the war; Ukrainian and industry sources describe IRIS-T systems as a major part of Ukraine's air-defense shield against Russian missile, drone, and aircraft threats.
Role detailsOfficial product and procurement releases describe IRIS-T SLM as a mobile fire unit rather than a single launcher truck. The protected layer depends on launchers, radar, command software, reload vehicles, and support vehicles working as one air-defense package.
| Element | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Fire unit core | Diehl lists launcher, radar, and Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC) as the main SLM fire-unit elements. |
| Threat set | Official releases give a 40 km range and 20 km altitude envelope against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. |
| Launcher layout | The remote launcher uses a 20-foot ISO frame, can operate up to 20 km from the CTOC, and carries eight missiles for 360-degree engagements. |
| Sensor example | Diehl's SLM product tab identifies the Hensoldt TRML-4D radar as an example multifunction radar with 360-degree coverage and a listed range of up to 250 km. |
| Ukraine combat unit | Hensoldt reported that Diehl, Hensoldt, and Airbus delivered an IRIS-T SLM combat unit to Ukraine in October 2022, with Diehl providing launchers and missiles, Hensoldt the radar, and Airbus the fire-control software. |
| Family growth | Diehl describes  |
Sources: IRIS-T SLM Product Tab; IRIS-T SLX Product Tab; Diehl Defence, HENSOLDT and Airbus Delivered IRIS-T SLM to Ukraine; Sweden purchases new air defence systems for the Army.
Diehl presents SLM as the medium-range member of the IRIS-T ground-based air-defense family, between the short-range SLS layer and the longer-range SLX development.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short-range family member | Diehl describes SLS as the short-range complement to SLM for a lower air-defense layer. Sources: Air Defence Systems, IRIS-T SLM Product Tab |
| IRIS-T SLX | Long-range family development | Diehl describes SLX as an extended-range evolution intended to integrate into existing IRIS-T SLM fire units and support future mixed SLM/SLX launcher loadouts. Sources: IRIS-T SLX Product Tab |
Diehl's 2017 brochure describes IRIS-T SLM as a mobile, all-terrain medium-range air-defense system based on the IRIS-T SL guided missile.
Sources: Living in a safe environment
Hensoldt reported that Diehl, Hensoldt, and Airbus had delivered an IRIS-T SLM ground-based air-defense combat unit to Ukraine, with launchers and missiles, TRML-4D radar, and fire-control software supplied by the three companies.
Sources: Diehl Defence, HENSOLDT and Airbus Delivered IRIS-T SLM to Ukraine
Diehl's IDEX 2023 release described IRIS-T SLM as a combat-proven ground-based air-defense system with launcher, multifunction radar, and TOC.
Sources: IDEX 2023: Diehl Defence displays products for living in a safe environment
Diehl's 2024 annual report said the German Air Force received its first IRIS-T SLM GBAD system in August 2024.
Sources: Diehl Defence Annual Report 2024
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence announced a memorandum with Diehl Defence and said IRIS-T systems had become an important part of Ukraine's air-defense shield.
Sources: The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Has Signed a Memorandum With the Manufacturer of IRIS-T
The Swedish government announced a SEK 9 billion order for seven IRIS-T SLM systems for the army.
Sources: Sweden purchases new air defence systems for the Army
Diehl handed over Estonia's first IRIS-T SLM fire unit at Ämari Air Base and said the system had proven itself operationally in Ukraine.
Sources: Diehl Defence strengthens NATO air defence: First IRIS-T SLM fire unit delivered to Estonia
