Image source: topwar.ru
The IRIS-T air defense system in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine
The Ukrainian army is constantly praising Western military equipment, in particular, air defense systems such as Patriot air defense systems, NASAMS, Gepard air defense systems and other products. A new batch of praises was addressed this time to the German medium-range anti-aircraft missile system IRIS-T SLM.
- said the commander of the anti-aircraft battery, noting that due to the high efficiency of the system, it was possible to protect a critical infrastructure facility.
Considering that the BQ of the PU is 8 missiles, this means, judging by these words, that each interceptor hit the target. However, even Western observers have questioned these statements.
Image source: topwar.ru
The IRIS-T SLM, developed by the German company Diehl Defense, is capable of hitting a wide range of aerial targets at a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of up to 20,000 m. The missile has IR guidance and a data link that allows information to be transmitted between it and the launcher. The system can integrate with several types of air defense radars, including Hensoldt TRML-4D, Thales Ground Master 200 MM/C, CEA SEAFAR and Saab Giraffe 4A.
One IRIS-T SLM battery/system includes from 3 to 4 launchers with 8 ready-to-launch missiles each, a control and communication center, as well as MTO machines. All components of the complex are placed on MAN trucks. Currently, the system has been ordered or is already in service in countries such as Egypt, Germany, Switzerland, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, Austria, Bulgaria and Denmark. Ukraine should eventually receive 20 IRIS-T SLS and SLM complexes.
