GBAD systems have seen a dramatically increased demand, particularly in Europe but also elsewhere, since several conflicts have erupted or escalated over the last two years.
Diehl Defence has delivered fire units of IRIS-T SLM to several customers worldwide since 2022, with customer testimonials confirming that the system regularly achieves hit rates of almost 100 percent, the company said.
Thus, IRIS-T SLM, as one of the most modern ground-based air defence systems in this market segment, is combat-proven. GBAD systems by Diehl Defence are based on the company’s expertise with guided missiles, most prominently the IRIS-T air-to-air short-range missile.
At the Singapore Airshow, Diehl Defence is exhibiting its IRIS-T guided missile, which is integrated into many Western fighter aircraft and is in service in Asia on Thailand’s Gripen aircraft as well as on the country’s F-16s and F-5s.
Currently, Diehl Defence is collaborating with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on the integration of IRIS-T on the KF-21 and FA-50/T50 platforms as part of their ongoing development program.
A major milestone was passed in 2023 with the successful live firing of an IRIS-T missile from an airborne KF-21. KF-21s are due to be delivered to the ROK air force, with Indonesia being another partner in the industrial program.
The IRIS-T missile is the perfect match for the KF-21, making it the ideal fighter solution for air forces in Southeast Asia and around the world.
