IRIS-T SLS is Diehl Defence's short-range ground-based member of the IRIS-T air-defense family, using the standard IRIS-T missile as a surface-to-air effector for a 12 km engagement layer. Diehl describes SLS as a mobile SHORAD system with launcher, sensor suite, and networked C2 that can operate alone or complement IRIS-T SLM; Germany has supplied SLS-related air-defense systems and missiles to Ukraine during the 2014 Russia-Ukraine War.
Germany has supplied IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM/SLS air-defense equipment to Ukraine; a 2024 German government speech said three related SLS systems were already in Ukraine, with additional SLS systems ordered for later delivery.
Role detailsDiehl positions IRIS-T SLS as the mobile SHORAD layer below the medium-range SLM system, with the SLS MK4 configuration packaging the main firing elements on one vehicle.
| Layer element | Record detail |
|---|---|
| Short-range envelope | Up to 12 km effective range and up to 6 km altitude coverage for the SLS interceptor. |
| Missile commonality | Uses the standard  |
| System architecture | Combines launcher module, integrated sensor suite, and network-enabled command and control; Diehl says it can operate standalone or within national air-defense networks. |
| SLS MK4 configuration | Combines radar, C2, launcher, and effectors on one vehicle, with carrier-vehicle-independent design and an eight-missile payload. |
| Family role | Diehl describes SLS as the short-range complement to the medium-range  |
Diehl presents SLS as the short-range member of the IRIS-T ground-based air-defense family, with SLM/SLX as longer-range family layers.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-range family member | Diehl describes SLS as the short-range layer and the ideal complement to IRIS-T SLM; SLM uses a separate medium-range missile and fire-unit architecture. Sources: IRIS-T SLS Product Tab, IRIS-T SLM Product Tab |
| IRIS-T SLX | Long-range family development | Diehl describes SLX as an extended-range evolution intended to integrate into the wider IRIS-T ground-based air-defense family. Sources: IRIS-T SLX Product Tab |
The short-range SLS layer is built around the standard IRIS-T missile rather than a separate ground-only interceptor.
| Ammunition | Ammunition type | Firing evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging-infrared guided missile | Diehl says IRIS-T SLS employs the same IRIS-T air-to-air missile hardware for ground-to-air operations, with mission software installed during launcher preparation. Sources: IRIS-T SLS Product Tab, IRIS-T Guided Missile Product Tab |
A German government speech at Todendorf said three related IRIS-T SLS systems were already in Ukraine and that Germany had ordered additional SLS systems for later delivery.
Sources: Scholz Todendorf IRIS-T Speech
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: Ukraine MoD Diehl IRIS-T Memorandum
Diehl announced a Swedish FMV order for additional IRIS-T SLS launchers and a logistics package.
Sources: Sweden Procures Further IRIS-T SLS Systems
Diehl presented IRIS-T SLS MK4 as a fourth-generation all-in-one short-range air-defense configuration with a 12 km range, up to 6 km altitude coverage, and an eight-missile payload.
Sources: Diehl Presents IRIS-T SLS MK4, IRIS-T SLS MK4 Product Tab
