Sensor technologies manufacturer Hensoldt has delivered the first of four radars ordered by Diehl Defence for its IRIS-T SLM air defense system operating in Ukraine.
The remaining three TRML-4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars will be delivered within a few months, the Taufkirchen-headquartered firm revealed in a statement.
The radar can rapidly detect, track, and classify nearly 1,500 targets, particularly “small, fast, and low-flying and/or maneuvering cruise missiles and aircraft, as well as hovering helicopters” within a range of 250 kilometers (155 miles).
“The situation in Ukraine requires quick and decisive action,” Hensoldt CEO Thomas Muller said. “Due to a serial production line and the commitment of our employees, we are able to deliver such systems to protect the population in the shortest possible time.”
IRIS-T Air Defense System
The four IRIS-T SLMs ordered by Ukraine include support, training, and ammunition and cost around 140 million euros ($136 million).
The system delivered to Ukraine is the latest version of the IRIS-T family of systems, having completed its final tests in 2021.
Even the German military has not yet inducted the platform.
Operational in Ukraine
The system comprises three vehicles: a missile launcher, radar, and fire control radar.
The missile can intercept a target at a maximum range of 40 kilometers (25 miles) and altitude of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles), while the radar can track a target at up to 250 kilometers (155 miles).
A launched IRIS-T SLM missile was recently photographed lying in a wooded area near Kyiv, revealing that the system has already been used.
#Ukraine: The recently donated IRIS-T SLM air defense battery from Germany 🇩🇪 is already successfully protecting the skies of Ukraine – the remains of its ground-to-air missile was found by locals today in Kyiv. pic.twitter.com/k3OZSxgDk1
— 🇺🇦 Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) October 19, 2022
