Diehl Defence has successfully tested a navalized version of its IRIS-T SLM air defence system during the German Navy’s largest missile exercise in three decades, the Maritime Firing Exercise 2025 (MFE). Conducted under the codename “Andøya”, the exercise allowed naval crews to operate complex weapons systems under near-operational conditions.
The system, developed jointly with the German Navy, was installed on the C-deck of the frigate “Baden-Württemberg” (Type F125) in under ten months from concept to live firing. This marked the first successful deployment of a navalized IRIS-T SLM variant using an IRIS-T family missile.
Having already proven its effectiveness in Ukraine, the IRIS-T SLM met all evaluation criteria during the MFE 2025. Diehl Defence confirmed that the system demonstrated its renowned capabilities even at sea, successfully achieving all test objectives.
The trial highlighted the system’s high hit rate and sets the stage for further naval applications. “With this milestone, Diehl Defence has successfully tested a navalized air defence system variant for the first time using an IRIS-T missile,” the company stated.
The successful demonstration paves the way for series production and integration of IRIS-T SLM into future naval deployments. Diehl Defence also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the German Navy and national procurement programs, emphasizing its role as a reliable, long-standing partner capable of fast and target-oriented defence solutions.
