Germany is expanding its IRIS-T air defence capabilities, with Diehl Defence unveiling a new unified missile launcher capable of firing both medium- and long-range variants of the system. The development has prompted comparisons with the US-made MIM-104 Patriot, long regarded as the backbone of Western air defence.
The launcher was presented at Enforce Tac, Germany’s leading trade fair for security and defence. It integrates the IRIS-T SLM medium-range system with the longer-range IRIS-T SLX variant, allowing operators to deploy both missile types from the same battery, even in mixed configurations.
The IRIS-T SLM system includes a mobile command centre, radar and multiple launch vehicles equipped with interceptor missiles. Its radar can detect targets at distances of up to 250 kilometres, including drones, aircraft and cruise missiles. The SLM missiles can intercept threats at ranges of up to 40 kilometres and altitudes of 20 kilometres. The extended-range SLX variant increases interception distance to around 80 kilometres.
While the system enhances Europe’s layered air defence, analysts note that it does not fully replicate Patriot’s ballistic missile capabilities. The Patriot system, developed during the Cold War and operational since 1984, was initially designed to counter aircraft but later upgraded to intercept ballistic missiles through its Patriot Advanced Capability, or PAC, variants. The latest PAC-3 MSE version employs “hit-to-kill” technology, destroying incoming threats through direct impact and offering extended range and precision.
A Patriot battery consists of radar, fire control centre, launchers and support equipment and can be deployed within hours. It is also significantly more expensive, with a single battery costing over $1 billion and interceptor missiles priced at around $5 million each.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has underscored the importance of advanced air defence. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for additional Patriot systems, citing their effectiveness against Russian ballistic missiles. According to reports, Ukraine currently operates seven Patriot systems.
Germany has already supplied several Patriot units to Kyiv over the past four years. However, replenishing stocks may take time, as global demand for the system remains high. The Patriot is used by 18 countries, and delivery times can stretch to three years from order placement.
US media reports last year indicated that Washington temporarily paused exports of Patriot systems due to supply constraints and domestic requirements.
As European nations reassess their air defence posture, the expanded IRIS-T platform may offer greater flexibility and faster deployment options, strengthening regional capabilities at a time of heightened security concerns.
