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.
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.
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By GlobalDataHaving 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.
