Germany builds long-range interceptors to cut reliance on US Patriot air defence systems

Germany’s Diehl Defence is developing the long-range IRIS-T SLX air defence system to reduce Europe’s reliance on US-made Patriots.

Diehl CEO Helmut Rauch on Tuesday said that the IRIS-T SLX, a longer-range variant of the existing IRIS-T SLM system, could reduce Europe’s reliance on Patriots, according to Reuters.

Persistent shortages of Patriot interceptors have exposed a major gap in Ukrainian air defences.

Without going into specifics, such as the number of launchers or interceptors, Rauch said that Diehl had sold 20 IRIS-T SLM systems to Ukraine.

Overall, 21 countries have ordered the IRIS-T system, with the most recent buyers being Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark, according to Rauch.

Beyond Europe, Gulf states have also shown interest in the system.

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The news comes at a time when European countries are increasingly shunning US-made systems in favour of European alternatives. Europe has realised that adopting a host of US systems, from fighter aircraft to air defences, and relying on the US military presence on the continent created problematic dependence and a strategic vulnerability. Europe is now seeking to correct this by embracing indigenisation and reviving its defence industrial base.

Can Europe replace Patriots with German alternative?

The IRIS-T SLM system consists of a radar unit, a Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC), and an unspecified number of missile launchers. Normally, each launcher carries multiple missiles at any given time. These systems are designed to protect civilian infrastructure and high-value targets from airborne threats.

The IRIS-T SLM system uses the IRIS-T SLM guided missile, a ground-based air-defence variant of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile.

The missile has a stated maximum engagement range of 40 km, meaning it can intercept incoming projectiles such as missiles and drones at distances of up to approximately 40 kilometres from where the launchers are located. The altitude at which it can intercept a projectile is stated to be up to 20 km.

The launchers are mounted on vehicles, and militaries can fit them on vehicles of their choice.

This is the latest addition to Europe’s suite of weapons aimed at reducing dependence on US equipment. Germany is also part of at least two other programmes to develop missiles for Europe and plug gaps left by the American withdrawal from the continent.