Germany is taking the next step toward giving its F125 frigates an IRIS-T SLM-based air-defense capability. After an earlier shipboard demonstration, Diehl Defence and the German defense procurement agency signed an October 2 contract to develop and test the naval adaptation of the medium-range system.The effort builds on a live maritime firing exercise involving Baden-Württemberg in October 2025. At present, the contract does not specify how many operational systems Germany intends to procure or when production deliveries will begin. Instead, it covers the engineering and testing work necessary to make IRIS-T SLM operational from the frigates.IRIS-T SLM normally operates as a mobile ground-based air-defense system. A typical unit brings together launchers, radar and a Common Tactical Operations Center that manages surveillance, threat assessment and engagement. The missile is derived from the IRIS-T air-to-air weapon and provides a stated effective engagement range of around 40 kilometers, with coverage extending to approximately 20 kilometers in altitude.The F125 application involves deeper integration with the ship rather than a simple transfer of the land system to a naval platform. During the 2025 demonstration, the naval configuration was connected to the frigate’s existing sensors and combat systems, allowing the adapted architecture to be evaluated during live operations. Diehl Defence said the capability is intended to prepare the German Navy for future airspace threats.
