Diehl Defence successfully demonstrated its Ground Based Air Defence System, IRIS-T SLM, at the Overberg Test Range in South Africa on January 14, 2014.
The IRIS-T SLM Ground Based Air Defence System is characterized by its modular design and open system architecture. In the current campaign, IRIS-T SLM consisted of the new CEAFAR radar of CEA Technologies, Australia, a Tactical Operation Center (TOC) employing both the BMD-Flex command, control and communication system of Terma A/S, Denmark, and the Oerlikon Skymaster battle management system of Rheinmetall Air Defence, Switzerland as well as the IRIS-T SL launching station with Diehl Defence missiles. All elements were integrated into the system by the Diehl Defence Sensor, Fire, and Weapon Control.
IRIS-T SLM detected the low flying target drone of type DO DT-25 and established a stable track which was classified as hostile. The missile was launched at a distance of about 20 km and intercepted the target with a direct hit. During the entire flight, target data updates from the radar were provided to the missile through the data link allowing the infrared seeker to lock onto the target in flight for the endgame. All hardware and software components performed flawlessly.
For the first time, Diehl Defence demonstrated the full functionality of the IRIS-T SLM system comprising its own setup for radar, TOC and launcher in a real live firing. This event followed two successful test firings carried out last November, during which the IRIS-T SL launcher and missile were tested as part of the German development contract of Diehl Defence with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAIN Bw).
