Iris-T
The IRIS-T (infrared imaging system tail/thrust vector-controlled) is a medium range infrared homing air-to-air missile available in both air-to-air and ground defence surface-to-air variants.
It also is called AIM-2000.
| IRIS-T | |
|---|---|
 Mockup of the IRIS-T | |
| Type | Short-range air-to-air missile |
| Place of origin | Italy, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Norway, Spain |
| Service history | |
| In service | December 2005 |
| Used by | See operators |
| Wars | Russo-Ukrainian War |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Diehl Defence, Avio spa, Litton Italia, Leonardo S.p.A. |
| Unit cost | €140 million (complete battery, FY 2022) €380,000 (~US$430,000) for a missile |
| No. built | > 5,000 (as of December 2023) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 87.4 kg (193 lb) |
| Length | 2.94 m (9.6 ft) |
| Diameter | 127 mm (5.0 in) |
| Wingspan | 447 mm (17.6 in) |
| Warhead | HE/fragmentation |
Detonation mechanism | Impact and active radar proximity fuse |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket |
Operational range | 25 km (16 mi)[clarification needed] |
| Flight altitude | Sea level to 20,000 m (66,000 ft) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 3 |
Guidance system | Infrared homing / radar homing (IRIS-T SLX) |
Launch platform | Air-to-air: EF-18, F-4 AUP, F-5 Super Tigris, F-16, Gripen, M-346, Tornado, Typhoon Ground-to-air: IRIS-T SLS, IRIS-T SLM, IRIS-T SLX, NASAMS-3 |
The missile was developed in the late 1990s–early 2000s by a German-led program to produce a short to medium range infrared homing air-to-air missile to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder in use by some NATO member countries at the time. A goal of the program was for any aircraft capable of firing the Sidewinder to also be capable of launching the IRIS-T. The air-to-air variant was fielded in 2005.
Surface-to-air defence systems variants came later, with the short-range IRIS-T SLS fielded in 2015, and the medium-range IRIS-T SLM fielded in 2022. One IRIS-T SLM battery, as supplied by Germany to Ukraine, consists of three truck-mounted launchers, carrying eight missiles each (with a range of 40 kilometres or 25 miles), and a separate command vehicle that can be positioned up to 20 kilometres (12 mi) away. The command vehicle integrates multiple radar sources, and is able to launch and track all 24 missiles simultaneously. The IRIS-T SLM can counter surface-to-air missiles and cruise missiles, including low-flying, stealthy missiles such as the Kalibr.
History
Background
The roots of the ASRAAM date back to 1968 when development began on the Hawker Siddeley SRAAM ("Taildog"). This project ended in 1974 with no production orders. This work was dusted off for the UK–German effort, with the Germans providing a new seeker, and the UK providing most of the remaining components.
After German reunification in 1990, Germany found itself with large stockpiles of the Soviet Vympel R-73 missiles (NATO reporting name: AA-11 Archer) carried by the MiG-29 Fulcrum and concluded that the AA-11's capabilities had been noticeably underestimated. In particular, it was found to be both far more manoeuvrable and capable in terms of seeker acquisition and tracking than the latest AIM-9 Sidewinder.[better source needed] In 1990, Germany withdrew from the ASRAAM project, while the UK resolved to find another seeker and develop ASRAAM according to the original range requirement. This ultimately led to the ASRAAM gaining a significantly more capable 128×128 focal array seeker with IRCCM (infrared counter countermeasures) capability, similar performance and notably half the unit cost of the IRIS-T due to the development work that had already been completed on the missile body.[citation needed]
In 1987, after years of silence on the program, the US proposed a requirement that the weapon must use Sidewinder rails rather than the universal aircraft rail adaptor named the "missile support unit" that had been developed. This delayed the project by one year as the British, German and Norwegian proposals were redesigned. Fearing erosion of its industrial base, the US proposed it would choose the latest version of its existing Sidewinder design with increased manoeuvrability and IRCCM unless the European partners increased the US industrial workshare, designated AIM-9X. However, the Sidewinder upgrade proposal failed to interest NATO buyers and, in 1992, the missile development programme ultimately separated with the UK the ASRAAM, France the MBDA MICA, US the AIM-9X and Germany electing to restart development on what became the IRIS-T.
Development
In 1995, Germany announced the start of the IRIS-T development, in collaboration with Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada. Canada later dropped out, while Spain joined as a procurement partner in 2003. The German Air Force took first delivery of the missile in December 2005.
The respective share[clarification needed] of the development of the IRIS-T are:
- Germany 46%
- Italy 19%
- Sweden 18%
- Greece 13%
- 4% split between Canada and Norway
Missile characteristics
In comparison to the AIM-9M Sidewinder, the IRIS-T has higher ECM resistance and flare suppression. Improvements in target discrimination allow for five to eight times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9M. It can engage targets behind the launching aircraft, made possible by extreme close-in agility, allowing turns of 60 g at a rate of 60°/s via thrust vectoring and LOAL capability.
The IRIS-T is able to intercept fast-moving and miniature targets, such as air-to-air/surface-to-air missiles and air-to-surface/surface-to-surface missiles and rockets, UAV/drones, and cruise missiles. To improve the probability of a direct hit, the missile is equipped with an active radar proximity fuze.
The IRIS-T has the unique ability, in comparison to other similar missiles such as the AIM-9X, to target and shoot down other air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, thus offering a 360° defence capability. Surface launched variants of the IRIS-T, the IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM, have enhanced capabilities to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar rockets and large-calibre rockets. They have a high probability of a killing shot against UAVs and other small manoeuvring threats at very-short and medium-range distances.
The Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) has tested a new air-to-surface capability developed by Diehl BGT Defence for the IRIS-T. A proof of concept test firing to acquire, track, and engage a target representing a small fast attack boat was conducted in Norway in September 2016, where the IRIS-T missile was launched from an RNoAF F-16AM multirole aircraft. For the air-to-surface role, the missile retains the same standard IRIS-T AAM hardware configuration, including the HE warhead and IIR guidance package, with only an updated software insertion required to deliver the additional ground attack capability. This basic air-to-ground capability provides the ability to acquire, track and engage individual ground targets like boats, ships, small buildings and vehicles.
Variants
Operational
IRIS-T air-to-air missile
It is the initial variant of the IRIS-T missile.
IRIS-T SL surface-to-air missiles
As a part of the NATO MEADS program, the German Air Force and others are now using a surface-launched (SL) radar-guided version of the missile, called IRIS-T SL. It has a pointed nose, unlike the regular IRIS-T, with a jettisonable drag-reducing nose cone. The missile uses a GPS-aided inertial navigation system, with radar data link for command guidance during the initial approach. The interference-resistant IR seeker head is activated at the terminal stage.
Compared to the IRIS-T, the diameter of the rocket motor was increased by 25 mm, to 152 mm. Test launches from a battery consisting of a CEA CEAFAR radar, a Diehl IRIS-T SL launcher and an Oerlikon Skymaster battle management system were performed in 2014. The IRIS-T SL qualification tests were completed in January 2015 at the Denel Overberg Test Range in South Africa.
By 2022, two variants were available: IRIS-T SLS (short-range) with 12 km range and altitude and IRIS-T SLM (medium range) with 40 km range and 20 km maximum altitude. A third variant, IRIS-T SLX (long range) variant with a dual-mode (IR and RF) seeker, a range of 80 km and a maximum altitude of 30 km, is in development as of April 2022[update].[full citation needed] Operational testing of the IRIS-T SLM was completed in January 2022.[full citation needed]
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An IRIS-T SL missile -
A Bv 410 with Giraffe 1X radar and Diehl ML-98 IRIS-T SLS launcher -
A MAN SX44 6x6 7-ton IRIS-T SL launcher -
A MAN SX45 8x8 10-ton IRIS-T SLM launcher -
A MAN SX45 8x8 10-ton IRIS-T SLM launcher rear -
A Hensoldt TRML-4D radar -
A CEA CEAFAR (GBMMR) radar -
The Thales Ground Master 200 MM/C radar -
A Hensoldt TwInvis passive radar
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In 2019, the Swedish Army fielded a ground launched version of the IRIS-T SLS, designated Luftvärnsrobotsystem 98 (lvrbs 98), to replace the RBS 70 missile system. Four missiles are carried on Eldenhet 98 (elde 98) launcher, a special version of a Bv 410 tracked, armored vehicle.
The Norwegian Army ordered the "mobile ground based air defence system", based on NASAMS command and control solutions, in a direct acquisition with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The system will integrate tracked IRIS-T SLS launchers from Diehl Defence GmbH with High Mobility Launchers for AIM-120 and AIM-9X missiles and radars from Weibel Scientific; initial delivery is planned for 2023 and will include six modified M113 vehicles carrying IRIS-T SLS missiles, while additional launchers will be based on the ACSV.
The IRIS-T SLM can be integrated with a variety of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) guidance systems and AESA radars, such as Hensoldt TRML-4D, Thales Ground Master 200 MM/C, CEA CEAFAR, and Saab Giraffe 4A. A version with a Lockheed-Martin Skykeeper command and control station, Giraffe 4A radar and Diehl IRIS-T SLM launcher was shown at IDEX 2019 under the name Falcon Ground Based Air Defence.
Egypt ordered Diehl IRIS-T SLM launchers, Hensoldt TRML-4D radars, and fire and control stations equipped with Airbus Defence Fortion IBMS integrated battle management software, all mounted on MAN 8×8 military trucks; the deal was approved by the German government in December 2021. Further orders includes Hensoldt TwInvis passive radars, IRIS-T SLS launchers and IRIS-T SLX long-range missiles. Passive radars can detect enemy aircraft by analysing reflections from external radio and television signals, making them effective in urban areas where active radars struggle.
The German Air Force is to receive its first IRIS-T SLM system in 2024 and five more by 2027. Also, mixed SLS/SLM systems are being planned.
Due to increased demand due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Diehl Defence is increasing production of IRIS-T systems and missiles. It plans to produce three to four systems in 2024 and at least eight in 2025, with missile production planned to grow to around 400 to 500 per year starting in 2024.
In development
IRIS-T FCAAM air-to-air missile
Diehl mentioned in 2022 that it was working on a 6th generation of short-range air-to-air missiles, and it is known as the "Future Combat Air-to-Air Missile". This missile is being designed to become one of the weapon of the European Future Combat Air System.
IRIS-T air-to-surface missile
For the air-to-surface role, the only difference from air-to-air version is an updated software insertion required to deliver the additional ground attack capability. Tested by the Royal Norwegian Air Force.
Naval surface-to-air missile
Diehl mentioned that the IRIS-T SLM missile was being integrated to the Mk 41 vertical launching system.
IDAS
The IDAS variant is a naval version of the missile, and is also being developed for the new Type 212A submarine of the German Navy. IDAS is supposed to engage air threats, small or medium surface vessels or near land targets.
The latest stage of development qualification is planned for 2024.
Operational usage
On 19 October 2022, Ukrainian sources stated that an IRIS-T air defense system had shot down a Russian missile in Chernihiv Oblast, thirty kilometers from Kyiv. Photos of the wreckage of an IRIS-T missile were shared on social media, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that IRIS-T "is a really effective system" and "has shown itself very well", but there was no evidence that the German IRIS-T SLM shot down that particular missile, and some Ukrainian sources stated that it had been shot down with a different system.
Following another Russian missile attack against Ukraine on 31 October 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force stated that IRIS-T missiles had a 100% success rate countering the attack.
On 15 November, footage appearing to show the IRIS-T system shooting down two cruise missiles circulated. One missile appeared to be a Kalibr cruise missile.
On 23 November 2023, the German Federal Ministry of Defence announced that an additional four IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems will be supplied to Ukraine as part of a military aid package worth more than €1.3 billion (US$1.4 billion). The systems will be supplied from 2025. The package also includes drones and drone-defense systems, demining vehicles, satellite communications, electronic warfare equipment, directional anti-tank mines and artillery shells. According to a video published on the Twitter account "Ukraine Weapons Tracker".
Operators
The following operators are listed and defined as of June 2023.
Air-air missiles
Current operators
Austria- 25
Brazil- IRIS-T missiles for the new Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F variants.
Germany- 1,250 missiles in a first order in 2023 a framework contract for up to 1,280 missiles was signed to replace those given as aid to Ukraine (120 ordered in a first batch)
Greece- 350 IRIS-T missiles
Italy- 444 IRIS-T missiles[citation needed] budget €217m, between 2003 and 2015.
Saudi Arabia- 1,400 IRIS-T missiles
- 150 additional ordered in January 2024 (ordered to replace the ones used to shoot down Houthi drones)
South Africa- 25 IRIS-T missiles delivered as interim armament for Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft until the completion of the A-Darter SRAAM project.
Spain- 770 IRIS-T missiles. Original budget €247m, final cost €291m.
Sweden- 450 IRIS-T missiles, designated Jaktrobotsystem 98 (jrbs 98). IRIS-T SLS variant used in ground-based air defense systems.
Thailand- 220 IRIS-T missiles ordered. To be integrated with F-5T, Gripen C/D, and F-16 eMLU.
Former operators
Norway- 150 IRIS-T missiles. Taken out of service along with the F-16 in 2022. Missiles donated to Ukraine in August 2023.
Future operators
Hungary- IRIS-T integration for Hungarian Saab JAS 39 Gripen MS20 Block II modernization program was ordered in December 2021.
Republic of Korea- IRIS-T integration for the KF-X fighter program was ordered in 2018. With the first test firing taking place in April 2023.
Surface to air missiles
Egypt- Using the Airbus Fortion IBMS-FC, a Hensoldt TRML-4D radar installed on a MAN HX2.
- 7 IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense systems ordered in 2018. with a further order of 400 SLM missiles
- 10 IRIS-T SLX systems was approved in December 2021
- 6 IRIS-T SLS systems
- Norway
- Norway is developing its short range air defence, the mobile ground-based air defence system. It is using elements of the NASAMS 3 system, and elements from the IRIS-T SLS system. The purchase includes:
- 36 IRIS-T SLS missiles
- 6 mobile launchers PMMC G5 equipped with 6 IRIS-T SLS canister launchers and a XENTA-M X-band radars designed by Weibel Scientific
- 3 High Mobility Launcher (HML) HMMWV-based equipped with a roof rack with up to 4 AIM-120B AMRAAM or 6 AIM-120C missiles
- a command and control system based on the NASAMS 3.
- Sweden
- IRIS-T SLS known as Luftvärnsrobotsystem 98 or lvrbs 98. It was ordered in 2013, first system used for trial was delivered in 2016. The system is made of:
- 450 IRIS-T missiles, designated IRIS-T SLS variant used in ground-based air defense systems.
Ukraine- Germany provided military aid packages to Ukraine facing the Russian invasion.
- 12 IRIS-T SLM systems, among which, 3 delivered (1 in October 2022, 1 in April 2023, 1 in October 2023), and additional IRIS-T SLM missiles are being supplied by Germany.
- 24 IRIS-T SLS launchers, with two delivered. Six IRIS-T SLS Launchers form one battery each, that use the above mentioned IRIS-T SLM systems, but are equipped with IRIS-T SLS launchers.
Future operators
Estonia- In May 2023, the Latvian and Estonian governments announced their decision to jointly procure the IRIS-T SLM systems, with deliveries expected in 2025.
- Germany
- 6 IRIS-T SLM air defence units ordered in June 2023 as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative. (€900 million). Overall 8 SLM systems and additional SLS systems planned.
Latvia- IRIS-T SLM system contract signed in November 2023 for €600 million, delivery of components from 2026.
Slovenia- 2 IRIS-T SLM systems contract signed in December 2023 for €200 million.
Potential future operators
Romania- €3.85 billion for 41 launchers, to be purchased in 2 phases. It is in competition against the NASAMS from Kongsberg, the VL Mica from MBDA France, the SPYDER from Rafael and the KM-SAM from Hanwha. It is to replace the S-75M3 and the MIM-23 Hawk (Phase IIIR) air defence systems.
Netherlands- The Netherlands are coordinating with Norway for the same system they are using, the mobile GBAD.
- ESSI members (European Sky Shield Initiative)
- As part of he ESSI (European Sky Shield Initiative), a common European air defence system which will be made of mostly IRIS-T SL and the MIM-104 Patriot System. The ESSI initiative includes some countries that are already clients (Germany, Latvia, Estonia, Norway), or soon to be clients (Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, Denmark)
See also
References
Further reading
- Bonds, Ray ed. The Modern US War Machine. New York City: Crown Publishers, 1989. ISBN 0-517-68802-6.
External links
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