Diehl Defense Unveils Compact IRIS-T SLS MK4 Air Defense System at ILA Berlin
At the ILA Berlin air show, Diehl Defense unveiled the IRIS-T SLS MK4, the most compact version of its ground-based air defense system. Mounted on a single 6×6 Zetros truck, it integrates eight IRIS-T SLS missiles, a Saab Giraffe 1X radar, and CICADA anti-drone munitions. The system can engage targets while moving, enhancing convoy protection. Two non-mobile launchers are already in Ukraine, where IRIS-T systems have proven effective against Russian missiles and drones. Full operational readiness is expected by 2028.
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Diehl unveils new-generation IRIS-T SLS MK 4 air defense system
Diehl Defence unveiled the fourth-generation IRIS-T SLS MK 4 short-range air defense system on June 9, 2026, ahead of the ILA Berlin Air Show. The MK 4 extends engagement range to 12 km and altitude to 6 km, while increasing ready missile load to eight per vehicle. The system consolidates radar, command and control, and launcher functions onto a single platform, enhancing mobility and survivability. It uses the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, known for exceptional maneuverability against drones and cruise missiles. Diehl plans future fire-on-the-move capability and integration of the CICADA counter-drone missile. The IRIS-T family has been combat-proven in Ukraine, where German-supplied SLM variants performed effectively against Russian threats.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsDiehl Defence Unveils IRIS-T SLS MK4: Most Compact Ground-Based Air Defense System at ILA Berlin
At the ILA Berlin air show, Diehl Defence presented the IRIS-T SLS MK4, its most compact ground-based air defense system to date. The system integrates a launcher for eight IRIS-T SLS missiles, a Saab Giraffe 1X radar, and self-protection CICADA drones onto a single 6x6 Zetros truck from Daimler Truck. Chief Program Officer Dr. Harald Buschek highlighted that the system can engage targets while moving at moderate speeds, a key advantage for convoy protection. The IRIS-T SLS MK4 uses an IR seeker missile with a 12 km range and 6 km altitude ceiling. Two launchers are already in Ukraine, though not in the mobile configuration. Full operational readiness is expected by 2028. The system was unveiled in the presence of Brandenburg Minister President Dietmar Woidke.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikDiehl Defence Unveils Most Compact IRIS-T SLS MK4 Air Defense System at ILA Berlin
At the ILA Berlin air show, Diehl Defence presented the IRIS-T SLS MK4, its most compact ground-based air defense system to date. The system integrates all elements—a launcher for eight IRIS-T SLS missiles, a Saab Giraffe 1X radar, and self-protection CICADA drones—onto a single 6×6 Zetros truck from Daimler Truck. Chief Program Officer Dr. Harald Buschek highlighted the system's ability to engage targets while moving, a key advantage for convoy protection. The IRIS-T SLS MK4 has a range of 12 km and an altitude ceiling of 6 km. Two launchers are already in Ukraine, though not in the mobile version, and full operational readiness is expected by 2028. The system is designed to counter cruise missiles and drones, building on the combat-proven success of IRIS-T systems in Ukraine.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikILA: IRIS-T SLS MK4 from Diehl Defense - The Most Compact Ground-Based Air Defense System
At the ILA Berlin Air Show, Diehl Defense unveiled the IRIS-T SLS MK4, a highly compact ground-based air defense system mounted on a single 6x6 Zetros truck from Daimler Truck. The system integrates a launcher for eight IRIS-T SLS missiles, a Saab Giraffe 1X radar, and self-protection systems. A key innovation is the ability to engage targets while driving at moderate speeds, a critical feature for convoy protection. The IRIS-T SLS MK4 uses an IR seeker missile with a 12 km range and 6 km altitude ceiling. Two non-mobile launchers are already in Ukraine, where IRIS-T systems have proven highly effective against Russian cruise missiles and drones. The MK4 is expected to be fully operational by 2028. The system also carries 15 CICADA anti-drone munitions for self-defense.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikDiehl Defense Unveils Most Compact IRIS-T SLS MK4 Air Defense System at ILA Berlin
At the ILA Berlin air show, Diehl Defense unveiled the IRIS-T SLS MK4, the most compact version of its proven air defense system. Mounted on a single 6×6 Zetros truck from Daimler Truck, the system integrates a launcher for eight IRIS-T SLS missiles, a Saab Giraffe 1X 3D radar, and self-protection systems including 15 CICADA anti-drone munitions. Chief Program Officer Dr. Harald Buschek highlighted the system's unique ability to engage targets while driving at moderate speeds, a key advantage for convoy protection. The IRIS-T SLS missiles have a range of 12 km and an altitude ceiling of 6 km. Two non-mobile launchers are already in Ukraine, where IRIS-T systems have achieved a high hit rate against Russian cruise missiles and drones. The MK4 is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und Wehrtechnik