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5 August 2025

IRIS-T SLM Reports Successful Ballistic Missile Intercepts


According to Oleksii Makeiev, Ukraine’s ambassador to Germany, the German IRIS-T SLM system has reportedly succeeded in intercepting ballistic missiles, as revealed in an interview with European Pravda on July 28. Citing Ukrainian military reports, Makeiev stated that IRIS-T SLM — though according to the manufacturer not originally designed for this purpose — had in some cases managed shot down ballistic missiles. He offered no details regarding the missile types or engagement conditions.

Diehl Defence has also declined to comment on specific incidents. A spokesperson only noted that “the customer has repeatedly expressed a satisfaction rate of 100 percent”, a figure likely reflecting the system’s performance against long-range drones and cruise missiles rather than ballistic threats.Thanks for reading Missile Matters — with Fabian Hoffmann! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

The ability of IRIS-T SLM to counter ballistic missile threats is not a total surprise but likely highly dependent on the type of incoming ballistic missile and the conditions of the engagement. The German Bundeswehr, for example, explicitly lists short-range ballistic missiles as part of the system’s engagement envelope. As stated on the official Bundeswehr website: “The IRIS-T SLM system from Diehl Defence is considered the most advanced, combat-proven, and modular air defense missile system for countering airborne attacks.

It provides 360-degree protection from close range up to medium distances (effective range 40 kilometres) and engages enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and guided weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles”. Without additional information, it is impossible to determine which specific ballistic missiles were intercepted in the cases cited by the ambassador. According to well-informed sources, one key factor behind the air defense system’s high success rate is its use of Hensoldt’s TRML-4D high-precision radar.

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