Missile Iris-T

The IRIS-T program was initiated in the late 1990s as a multinational effort to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Development followed a 1990 evaluation of the Soviet Vympel R-73, which demonstrated that Western short-range missiles lacked comparable maneuverability. The project was led by Germany with participation from Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden, and later Spain. The air-to-air variant entered service in December 2005.

The missile utilizes an imaging infrared homing seeker with an InSb two-color scanning array. This seeker can receive targeting data from aircraft radar, helmet-mounted displays, and data links. Guidance is supported by thrust vectoring via four exhaust vanes and tail wings, allowing for high-maneuverability turns and the engagement of targets behind the launching aircraft through lock-on after launch capability. The warhead is a dual-layer high-explosive fragmentation design using a Ku-band active radar proximity fuse and impact detonation. Propulsion is provided by a solid-fuel rocket engine.

Surface-launched variants include the IRIS-T SLS and SLM, while the IDAS variant is designed for submarine-launched applications. An updated software configuration enables the air-to-air hardware to engage surface targets such as fast attack boats and vehicles. Further variants in development include the IRIS-T SLX, which features a dual-mode infrared and radio frequency seeker, and the Future Combat Air-to-Air Missile (FCAAM).

The IRIS-T is widely deployed across several countries, including Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia. It is integrated onto multiple aircraft types, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS 39 Gripen, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, and Panavia Tornado. Ground-based variants are utilized in national air defense networks, including the SLS variant in Sweden and the SLM variant in Ukraine.

Ukraine has used the system in combat to intercept cruise missiles and other aerial threats. Saudi Arabia has employed the missile to engage unmanned aerial vehicles. Inventory is maintained by air forces in Austria, Brazil, South Africa, and Thailand, with future integration planned for the South Korean KF-21 and Hungarian Gripen platforms. Norway previously operated the system but withdrew it from service in 2022.