IRIA News

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Germany has signed new contracts with Diehl Defense to procure guided missiles from the IRIS-T family for the German Armed Forces, covering both air-to-air and ground-based air defense requirements.

The agreements were signed between Diehl Defense and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Germany’s arms procurement agency. The contracts include missiles for short- and medium-range roles, as well as air-launched variants for fighter aircraft.

Air-to-air versions of the IRIS-T missile will be integrated on German Air Force Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft. Ground-based interceptor variants will be used with the IRIS-T SLS short-range and IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems operated by the Bundeswehr.

The new orders build on a 2023 framework agreement covering more than 1,200 IRIS-T missiles. That earlier deal was intended in part to replenish German missile stocks after deliveries of air defense systems and interceptors to Ukraine.

Deliveries under the framework agreement are planned through 2030, with the first tranche expected in 2026.

“The constructive cooperation between Diehl Defence and the BAAINBw in the preparation and handling of the contract negotiations was an important prerequisite for the smooth procurement of these high-tech products, which are in great demand,” Diehl Defence said in a statement.

Financial details and total order volumes for the new contracts have not been publicly disclosed.

IRIS-T Missiles

The IRIS-T originated in the late 1990s as a next-generation short-range air-to-air missile designed to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder. It features high maneuverability and imaging infrared guidance and has since been adapted for ground-based air defense missions.

Today, the missile family includes air-launched IRIS-T weapons and two ground-based systems: IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM. The multi-role capability allows the same missile design to be used both on fighter aircraft and in surface-to-air configurations.

The IRIS-T SLS system covers short-range and very short-range air defense. It uses the standard IRIS-T air-to-air missile without modification and provides 360-degree protection against cruise missiles, combat aircraft, attack helicopters, and drones. The system has an engagement range of up to about 12 kilometers and can intercept targets at altitudes of up to roughly 8 kilometers.

The IRIS-T SLM system forms the medium-range layer of air defense. It is designed to counter aircraft, cruise missiles, and other aerial threats at distances of up to 60 kilometers and altitudes of up to 20 kilometers.

Air-launched IRIS-T missiles can engage air targets at ranges of up to around 25 kilometers and are compatible with several modern fighter aircraft types, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and other fourth-generation platforms.

Operational Experience and Demand

Demand for the IRIS-T family has increased in recent years. The systems have been used in Ukraine to counter Russian air attacks, where IRIS-T SLS and SLM batteries have been deployed as part of layered air defense. Their performance has drawn attention to the importance of maintaining sufficient interceptor stockpiles.

German defense planning has placed greater emphasis on ammunition and missile inventories, which are considered critical for sustaining combat readiness alongside aircraft and air defense systems.

Procuring additional IRIS-T missiles is seen as necessary to maintain operational capability while supporting allied partners.

The IRIS-T family is now in service with 21 user nations, either as an air-to-air missile or as part of ground-based air defense systems. Countries using the system rely on it for short- and medium-range air defense and for integration on modern fighter aircraft.

Production Expansion

To meet rising demand from Germany and international customers, Diehl Defense is expanding its production capacity across its facilities. The company plans to invest around 1.5 billion euros in expanded manufacturing capabilities.

The expansion aims to strengthen delivery capacity and support long-term orders from both national and export customers. Plans include increased annual output and new production lines to supply missiles for aircraft and ground-based systems.

German defense procurement in recent years has been part of a broader effort to rebuild and modernize Bundeswehr capabilities. Alongside aircraft, armored vehicles, and air defense systems, the acquisition of ammunition and guided missiles has become a priority.

The latest IRIS-T contracts are expected to support Germany’s air defense architecture and ensure sufficient interceptor stocks for both air-to-air combat and ground-based protection. Deliveries under the broader procurement framework are scheduled to continue through the end of the decade.