Germany ordered six IRIS-T SLM fire units from Diehl Defence in 2023. The first unit was delivered in 2024, but it was not accepted into service due to issues identified during the process.
The delay resulted from the use of an ammunition loading crane that had not been verified for compliance with German regulations and certification standards. As a result, the system’s entry into service was postponed pending certification of a new crane.
The confirmed delivery of the IRIS-T SLM to the air defence subunit indicates that this issue has now been resolved. However, there is no confirmation whether all six fire units will be delivered in line with the previously agreed schedule by 2027.
According to information published by Hartpunkt, the Bundeswehr’s plans are significantly more ambitious due to the need to rebuild Germany’s territorial air defence. Reports indicate that there are discussions about ordering up to 75 IRIS-T SLM fire units in total.
