What makes the new Iris-T SLS Mk4 air defense system from Diehl Defence special, and how much longer will the development of this system take before it can potentially be supplied to Ukraine?
At the ILA 2026 aerospace exhibition, starting this week and running from June 10th to 14th, the German defense giant Diehl Defence will publicly unveil its Iris-T SLS air defense system in the latest Mk4 modification. This new version boasts a significant upgrade: the ability to engage targets while on the move, and it will also be armed with interceptor drones.
Details about the newest iteration of the Iris-T SLS surface-to-air missile system are provided by the publication hartpunkt. At the exhibition, the vehicle will be displayed on a Zetros 6×6 truck chassis from Daimler Truck, but it can generally be integrated onto other chassis according to customer requirements.
The system is designed as a comprehensive, scalable solution – if needed, the SAM can be equipped with additional sensors or kinetic effectors. All necessary components of the SAM are housed on a single chassis, including the radar station, command and control systems, and the launcher. Diehl Defence specifically emphasizes that the Iris-T SLS Mk4 is a versatile solution.
Another key feature of this SAM’s latest modernization is the high level of automation in the air defense system, which will require fewer personnel to operate the complex.
The main armament of the SAM will remain unchanged: eight IRIS-T missiles (two launchers with four cells each). However, there is a note that future plans include the capability to launch missiles at targets while the system is in motion.
In addition to anti-aircraft missiles, there is an option to install a launcher for Cicada anti-drone systems, which were successfully tested last year, or a remotely controlled weapon station.
The IRIS-T SAM provides 360-degree all-around surveillance. It is equipped with the Giraffe 1X 3D radar station from Saab. Its operational range is up to 12 km, and its engagement altitude is up to 6 km.
As of today, it is known that the development of the IRIS-T SLS Mk4 SAM will continue for at least another year and a half, with completion planned for 2028.
From Defense Express, we note that the updated SAM looks truly promising, even though the serial version will appear relatively soon. However, considering that Diehl Defence actively collaborates with Ukraine, including recent cooperation agreements with KB Luch and Fire Point, and given the widespread use of IRIS-T SAMs in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it is highly probable that the new Iris-T SLS Mk4 modification will undergo combat testing in Ukraine.