Germany approves IRIS-T SLM adaptation for F125 frigates, other procurements

A naval version of Diehl Defence's IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile system, trial fired from the German Navy F125 frigate Baden-Württemberg in October 2025. (Bundeswehr/Malte Tönges)

The budget committee of the German parliament has approved the maritime adaptation of Diehl Defence's IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missile system for the German Navy's F125-class frigates as part of a wider package of Bundeswehr procurement measures.

The committee approved the measure on 23 September 2026, the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) announced on 24 September. According to the ministry, the F125 frigates' self-defence capabilities are to be expanded in response to the current air threat, adding that the IRIS-T SLM (surface-launched medium range) missile “has also proven itself in Ukraine's defensive fight against Russia.”

The decision follows a maritime demonstration of IRIS-T SLM aboard the F125-class frigate Baden-Württemberg during the German Navy's Maritime Firing Exercise off Andøya, Norway, in October 2025. Diehl Defence installed a navalised Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) IRIS-T SLM module for the trials. Diehl said the demonstrator met all test objectives, while the Bundeswehr reported that the system successfully engaged multiple targets. The Bundeswehr gives the system a range of around 40 km and an engagement altitude of up to 20 km.

The committee also approved a second amendment to the contract covering development, production, and delivery of the Bundeswehr's Luftverteidigungssystem Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz (LVS NNbS) short- and very-short-range air-defence system. The change includes adapting the mobility modules for its fire-control and surface-to-air missile vehicles to the Bundeswehr's Boxer armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) B0 mobility module standard, as well as developing a containerised trainer.