Diehl Defence develops longer-range IRIS-T system to ease dependence on Patriot missiles

Tuesday 07 July 2026 - 14:30

By: Sahili Aya

Diehl Defence develops longer-range IRIS-T system to ease dependence on Patriot missiles

German defence manufacturer Diehl Defence is developing a new long-range version of its IRIS-T air defence system that could reduce the need for the limited supply of Patriot interceptor missiles, according to the company's chief executive.

Speaking during a presentation of the Diehl industrial group's 2025 financial results, CEO Helmut Rauch said the upgraded system is designed to strengthen layered air defence capabilities while complementing existing missile defence assets.

IRIS-T SLX designed to extend air defence range

The new system, known as the IRIS-T SLX, is being developed as an enhanced version of the current IRIS-T SLM platform.

According to Rauch, the longer-range interceptor is intended to work alongside existing air defence systems rather than replace them, offering countries greater flexibility in responding to aerial threats while reducing reliance on Patriot interceptors, which remain in high demand.

The development reflects broader efforts by European defence manufacturers to expand missile production and improve integrated air defence capabilities.

Ukraine experience shapes future development

Diehl Defence noted that 20 IRIS-T SLM units have already been delivered to Ukraine, where the system has become part of the country's air defence network against missile and drone attacks.

Operational experience from the conflict has highlighted the importance of layered defence architectures capable of engaging a wide range of airborne threats at different distances.

The proposed SLX variant is expected to extend interception capabilities beyond those offered by the current system, providing an additional layer of protection for critical infrastructure and military assets.

Growing demand for advanced missile defence

The announcement comes as European governments continue increasing defence spending in response to evolving security challenges and rising demand for modern air defence systems.

The shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles has encouraged manufacturers to develop complementary technologies capable of sharing the defensive burden across multiple systems.

If successfully deployed, the IRIS-T SLX could strengthen Europe's missile defence capabilities while offering allied nations an additional option for protecting airspace against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.