The Luftwaffe has declared Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense system, achieving a significant upgrade for German air defense capabilities. This achievement comes just one year after the German Bundestag’s Budget Committee approved the procurement of six fire units, marking a rapid transition from acquisition decision to operational readiness.
Photo: Diehl Defence
The IOC declaration ceremony, held at the Todendorf military training area in Schleswig-Holstein, saw attendance from top government and military officials, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, and Luftwaffe Chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz. Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch and representatives from the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) were also present, underscoring the collaborative effort between industry and the armed forces.
Diehl Defence delivered the first IRIS-T SLM fire unit to the Bundeswehr in early August 2024, adhering to the ambitious timeline set forth by the procurement initiative. The system, designed to engage a variety of aerial threats including aircraft, missiles, and drones, is poised to play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure and population centers across Germany.
The IRIS-T SLM’s rapid integration into the Luftwaffe’s arsenal has been facilitated by a joint training facility operated by Diehl Defence and the German Air Force in Todendorf since summer 2023. This facility not only serves German operators but is also capable of training personnel from other user nations, highlighting the system’s potential for broader European defense cooperation.
The presence of Air Chiefs from several countries participating in the ‘European Sky Shield Initiative’ (ESSI) at the IOC ceremony signals the wider strategic implications of the IRIS-T SLM deployment. As part of Germany’s contribution to European air defense, the system is expected to enhance collective security measures across the continent.
Helmut Rauch emphasized Diehl Defence’s role in this achievement, stating, “I am proud that Diehl Defence as a system house for ground-based air defence contributed with its delivery reliability to the fact that the German Air Force could declare its IOC for our system IRIS-T SLM.”
With the IRIS-T SLM now operational, Germany has taken a significant step in modernizing its air defense capabilities. The system’s rapid deployment from concept to operational status demonstrates the Bundeswehr’s commitment to addressing evolving security challenges in an agile and effective manner.
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