With two direct hits Diehl Defence proved the IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched) surface-to-air guided missile`s operational capability and performance. The two firings were conducted within a test campaign from November 4 to 8, 2013, at the Overberg Test Range in South Africa and are part of the development program for the new guided missile plus launcher, contracted by the Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and Utilization of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw).
Realistic air defence scenarios were displayed by employing low-flying target drones of the type DO DT-25. Both missiles destroyed their targets with direct hits confirming the guided missile system’s expected precision. In one case the maximum distance lay far beyond 20 kilometres.
IRIS-T SL is planned as an effector for the German Armed Forces’ future ground-based air defence architecture and is designed for easy integration in this architecture. This is accomplished by seamless connection to fire control systems via standardized interfaces.
Based on IRIS-T SL, Diehl Defence is offering armed forces a modern, cost-effective solution of entire air defence systems. The mobile, medium-range systems provide comprehensive 360 degree protection against air attacks by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and guided weapons. They allow simultaneous engagement of several targets even at very short distances thanks to extremely short reaction times.
