On October 9, 2009, the German missile system house Diehl BGT Defence successfully carried out the new IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched) surface-to-air missile´s maiden flight at the OTB Test Range in South Africa with a ballistic firing test.

All test objectives were achieved in the presence of representatives of the national customer: Safe missile launch from a carrier vehicle; demonstration of the missile´s flight-mechanical and aerodynamic characteristics; operational performance of the newly developed rocket motor as well as controlled opening of the aerodynamic shroud.

IRIS-T SL

IRIS-T SL is based on the same concept as the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile, a European cooperation program currently in series production. IRIS-T is employed by seven European nations, South Africa and Saudi Arabia as primary armament for the Eurofighter and other combat aircraft. The missile´s further development for its surface-to-air role consists in a rocket motor upgrade, equipment with a data link as well as GPS-aided navigation. The target spectrum ranges from aircraft and helicopters to unmanned aerial systems and missiles. Thus, the requirements for a modern guided missile for ground-based air defence have been implemented with a distinct increase in range.