Air Defence Missile Group 61 conducted the firing in mid-October at NATO’s NAMFI missile range. Crews trained on the integration of the TRML-4D radar, Common Tactical Operations Center and launcher with the IRIS-T SLM interceptor.
“The successful system certification firing confirms that IRIS-T SLM delivers reliable performance and a very high hit rate in operation. This is an important signal for the Bundeswehr and, consequently, for the ten nations that already rely on our air defence system,” said Helmut Rauch, chief executive of Diehl Defence.
The certification follows the Bundeswehr’s receipt of its first IRIS-T SLM system in September 2024. Once the firing was complete, the system operated within the exercise’s combined air defence scenario.
“Without the soldiers of Air Defence Missile Group 61, this first firing of the IRIS-T SLM in Crete would not have been possible,” said Lieutenant Colonel Björn Klarl, the unit’s commander. “With a high level of readiness and professionalism, they quickly mastered the new system, acquired the necessary expertise, and carried out the launch safely and precisely.”
“At the same time, it marks an important step forward for Germany’s ground-based air defence,” Klarl said. Swedish forces participated with Patriot, while Sweden had also decided to procure IRIS-T SLM in 2025.
The ground-based system is designed to protect cities and critical infrastructure from cruise missiles, drones, aircraft and helicopters. According to Diehl Defence, it has an effective system range of up to 60 kilometres and an interception altitude of up to 20 kilometres.
NAMFI was established under a 1964 agreement between several NATO countries. Alliance partners have used the range since 1968.
