Germany’s arms procurement agency has signed multiple contracts with Diehl Defence to acquire additional IRIS-T guided missiles for the Bundeswehr. The procurement includes air-to-air variants for Eurofighter and Tornado aircraft, as well as interceptor missiles for IRIS-T SLS and SLM ground-based air defense systems. The contracts build on a 2023 framework agreement covering more than 1,200 missiles and are intended to replenish stocks following deliveries to Ukraine. Deliveries will run through 2030, with the first tranche expected in 2026. Originally developed in the late 1990s to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder, the IRIS-T combines high maneuverability with imaging infrared guidance. The SLS provides short-range air defense with 360-degree coverage, while the SLM extends engagement ranges to 60 kilometers. With growing international demand, Diehl Defence is investing heavily in expanded production capacity.
