Germany's Luftwaffe Achieves Initial Operating Capability with IRIS-T SLM Air Defence System

Germany's air defence capabilities took a significant leap forward with the Luftwaffe's recent achievement of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the IRIS-T SLM air defence system. This milestone is the result of extensive training and collaboration between Diehl Defence, the German Air Force, and the Bundeswehr. The event was marked by an official ceremony at the Todendorf military training area in Schleswig-Holstein, attended by prominent figures such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, and Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, the Chief of the German Air Force.

The IRIS-T SLM, developed by Diehl Defence, is a sophisticated surface-launched air defence system designed to neutralize a wide range of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and drones. With the ability to intercept targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers and ranges extending beyond 40 kilometers, the system provides robust protection for critical infrastructure and key assets. It is equipped with high-precision radar and advanced missile technology, ensuring accurate tracking and engagement of hostile threats. The system is highly automated, reducing the need for extensive manual intervention, which in turn enhances its operational efficiency.

The system’s development for Germany began after the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved funding for six IRIS-T SLM fire units in 2023. This approval came from a special Bundeswehr fund aimed at modernizing Germany’s military capabilities. In August 2024, Diehl Defence delivered the first fire unit to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) on schedule. This delivery marked a key phase in the gradual strengthening of Germany's defensive capabilities.

The ceremony celebrating the IOC declaration showcased not only the German Air Force's readiness to use the IRIS-T SLM but also Diehl Defence's commitment to timely and reliable delivery of the system. Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, handed over a symbolic key to the deputy head of BAAINBw, underlining the successful partnership between the company and the German military.

Beyond Germany’s own interests, the IRIS-T SLM is part of broader European defence cooperation. Since 2023, Diehl Defence has operated a dedicated training facility at Todendorf where both German personnel and operators from other countries can be trained on the system. This is particularly relevant for the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a joint effort among European nations to strengthen air defence coordination. Several air chiefs from ESSI member countries attended the IOC ceremony, reflecting the system’s wider significance in Europe’s collective security framework.

The IRIS-T SLM is now poised to become a central component of Germany’s ground-based air defence infrastructure, offering advanced capabilities to protect against modern threats. Its introduction signifies a key step in ensuring the nation's preparedness for evolving security challenges, particularly in an age where aerial threats are increasingly sophisticated and diverse.

With the system now operational, Germany’s air defence network is significantly bolstered, providing a shield not just for the country, but for allies within Europe. As global defence strategies evolve, systems like the IRIS-T SLM offer a glimpse into the future of military cooperation and technological advancement in the field of air defence.