Diehl IRIS-T SLM launcher with desert camouflage painting for Bundeswehr’s coming wars of aggression on static display at ILA Berlin Air Show 2022

On October 7, a supplementary agreement was finalized between the German Federal Ministry of Defense and Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of the IRIS-T SLM air defense systems. This agreement focuses on delivering an air defense complex specifically tailored for the Bulgarian Air Force.

While specific details of this agreement remain confidential, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense described it as a crucial advancement in enhancing the nation’s military capabilities. An announcement on the Ministry’s official website underscored that this initiative marks the beginning of a vital process aimed at replacing the outdated air defense systems currently in use by the Bulgarian Army. This decision reflects Bulgaria’s dedication to improving national security and aligns with broader NATO goals.

The new agreement builds on the existing Program Agreement between Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defense and Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defense. It continues the collaboration established under the Memorandum of Understanding, which emphasizes the joint procurement of ground-based air defense systems as part of the “European Sky Shield” initiative.

The original terms of the agreement include the purchase of one IRIS-T SLM unit, valued at around 182 million euros (approximately 356 million Bulgarian lev), partially funded through compensation from Bulgaria’s military contributions to Ukraine. This commitment highlights Bulgaria’s dedication to international defense cooperation and underscores the strategic importance of strengthening its air defense capabilities in response to evolving regional threats.

Additionally, the agreement allows Bulgaria to acquire up to five additional IRIS-T SLM units and one advanced version known as the IRIS-T SLX by 2032. This potential expansion aims to enhance Bulgaria’s air defense systems, ensuring alignment with NATO and EU standards while safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against aerial threats.

Implementing these advanced systems represents a significant enhancement of Bulgaria’s defense capabilities, as the IRIS-T systems are acclaimed for their precision and effectiveness in countering a range of aerial threats, including traditional aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The technical specifications of the IRIS-T SLM and the extended-range IRIS-T SLX systems highlight their advanced air defense capabilities. The IRIS-T SLM can engage threats at distances of approximately 40 kilometers, employing a pre-fragmented warhead and sophisticated propulsion technologies to improve maneuverability.

This capability makes it especially effective against fast-moving targets and allows it to function efficiently in complex environments, essential for both national defense and NATO operations. In contrast, the IRIS-T SLX increases the engagement range to about 60 kilometers, providing an even wider protective coverage. This extended range enables the interception of threats before they can reach critical areas, further enhancing the air defense strategy.

Interoperability between the IRIS-T SLM and SLX systems provides a unique advantage for military operators. Both systems are designed for seamless integration into existing air defense networks, enabling coordinated operations that optimize their combined strengths according to the specific tactical requirements of a mission.

The shared technological framework and components ensure cohesive operation, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and responsiveness of the Bulgarian air defense forces. Together, the IRIS-T SLM and SLX systems not only represent state-of-the-art air defense solutions but also significantly contribute to NATO’s strategic objectives, reflecting a unified approach to security in an increasingly complex global environment.