View source for IRIS-T

{{Short description|Medium-range infrared homing missile}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile         = yes
| name               = IRIS-T
| image              = IRIS-T expo front.JPG
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Mockup of the IRIS-T
| origin             = Germany, Italy, Sweden, Greece, Norway, Spain
| type               = *[[Air-to-air missile#Short-range air-to-air missile|Short-range air-to-air missile]]
*[[Surface-to-air missile]]
| used_by            = [[#Operators|See ''operators'']]
| wars               = [[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
| manufacturer       = [[Diehl Defence]], [[Avio|Avio S.p.A.]], [[Litton Industries|Litton Italia]], [[Leonardo S.p.A.]], [[Saab AB]], [[Hellenic Defence Systems|GPCC]], [[Nammo]]<ref name="starstreak">{{cite web |url=http://typhoon.starstreak.net/common/AA/irist.html |title=BGT/SAAB/Alenia IRIS-T |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122022323/https://typhoon.starstreak.net/common/AA/irist.html |archive-date=2009-01-22}}</ref>
| developed_into     = [[IRIS-T SL]]
| unit_cost          = €140 million (complete IRIS-T SLM battery, FY 2022)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dw.com/en/what-is-germanys-iris-t-air-defense-system/a-63414859 |title=Explainer: Germany's IRIS-T air defense system |date=2022-10-12|access-date=2022-10-21 |website=DW |language=en}}</ref><br>€400,000<ref>{{cite news |author=Felix Busjaeger |date=22 October 2022 |title=Flugabwehrsystem Iris-T: Das kann das System aus Deutschland |url=https://www.kreiszeitung.de/politik/abwehrsystem-deutschland-ukraine-russland-flugabwehrsystem-luftabwehrsystem-iris-t-sl-slm-reichweite-kosten-preis-91584931.html |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=kreiszeitung.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Simon Cleven |date=10 January 2024 |title=Was die Iris-T-Lenkraketen so besonders macht |url=https://www.t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/militaer-verteidigung/id_100318268/bundesregierung-liefert-iris-t-an-saudi-arabien-was-kann-das-waffensystem-.html |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=t-online.de |language=de}}</ref>&nbsp;(~US${{To USD|400000|FRA}}) for an AAM<br>€564,608<ref>{{cite news |author=Frank Hofmann |date=12 May 2023 |url=https://www.focus.de/politik/ausland/jede-in-deutschland-gebaute-iris-t-lenkrakete-fuer-ukraine-kostet-564-608-euro_id_193518227.html |title=Ukraine: Deutscher Nachschub für die Offensive |work=[[Focus (German magazine)|Focus]] |access-date=14 June 2024}}</ref>&nbsp;(~US${{To USD round|564608|FRA}}) for an IRIS-T SL missile
| propellant         = [[HTPB]]{{sfn|Andersson|2012|p=26}}
| production_date    = 
| number             = > 5,000 missiles (as of December 2023) <ref name="diehl framework contract">{{cite web |url=https://www.diehl.com/defence/en/press-and-media/news/framework-contract-for-iris-t-guided-missiles-signed/ |title=FRAMEWORK CONTRACT FOR IRIS-T GUIDED MISSILES SIGNED |date=22 December 2023 |publisher=Diehl.com |access-date=4 January 2024 }}</ref>
| service            = December 2005
| engine             = [[Solid-propellant rocket|Solid-fuel rocket]]
| engine_power       = 
| weight             = AAM: {{convert|87.4|kg|abbr=on}}<br>[[#IRIS-T SL|IRIS-T SL]]: {{convert|130|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="Ilmatorjunta2017">{{cite magazine |first=Kimmo |last=Juntunen |date=February 2017 |title=Modernit ilmatorjuntajärjestelmät |magazine=Ilmatorjunta |url=https://bin.yhdistysavain.fi/1601152/L9PyPMQ7AT9jfDiArSjt0UJan6/Ilmatorjunta%202_17.pdf |issn=1797-6448 |page=35 |language=fi}}</ref>
| length             = AAM: {{convert|2.94|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=diehl /><br>[[#IRIS-T SL|IRIS-T SL]]: {{convert|3.45|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="Ilmatorjunta2017" />
| height             = 
| diameter           = AAM: {{convert|127|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br>[[#IRIS-T SL|IRIS-T SL]]: {{convert|152|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| wingspan           = {{convert|447|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| speed              = AAM: Mach 3<br>SLS: {{convert|680|m/s|ft/s||abbr=on}}{{sfn|Andersson|2012|p=37}}<br>[[#IRIS-T SL|SLM]]: {{convert|1000|m/s|ft/s||abbr=on}}<ref name="Ilmatorjunta2017" />
| vehicle_range      = {{ubl|AAM: {{convert|25|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="diehl">{{cite web |url=http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/press-media/subjects-in-the-focus/iris-t-the-short-distance-missile-of-the-latest-generation.html |title=Diehl Defence: IRIS-T, the short-distance missile of the latest generation |publisher=Diehl.com |access-date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330051726/http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/press-media/subjects-in-the-focus/iris-t-the-short-distance-missile-of-the-latest-generation.html |archive-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>|SLS: {{convert|12|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="2022sls">{{cite web |url=https://defenceredefined.com.cy/diehl-defense-the-new-mobile-air-defence-system-iris-t-sls-mk-iii-unveiled-at-eurosatory-2022/ |title=The new mobile Air Defence system IRIS-T SLS Mk III unveiled at EUROSATORY 2022 |date=16 July 2022 |access-date=26 April 2024}}</ref>|SLM: {{convert|40|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="irist_egypts_choice" />|SLX: {{convert|80|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="hensoldt-diehl-gbad" />|HYDEF: {{convert|100|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="White2024Addressing">{{cite magazine |title=Addressing the Hypersonic Threat: Challenges and Responses |last=White |first=Andrew |date=2024 |magazine=Military Technology |volume=48 |issue=2 |pages=16 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref>}}
| ceiling            = {{ubl|SLS: {{convert|8|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="2022sls" />|SLM: {{convert|20|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="irist_egypts_choice" />|SLX: {{convert|30|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="hensoldt-diehl-gbad" />|HYDEF: {{convert|50|km|mi||abbr=on}}<ref name="White2024Addressing" />}}
| altitude           = Sea level to {{convert|20000|m|ft|abbr=on}}
| filling            = Dual-layer HE/fragmentation
| filling_weight     = {{convert|11.4|kg|abbr=on}}<ref name="airpower">{{cite web |url=http://www.airpower.at/flugzeuge/eurofighter/bew-iris-t.htm |title=IRIS-T |periodical=Airpower.at |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=2016-03-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314080226/http://www.airpower.at/flugzeuge/eurofighter/bew-iris-t.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
| guidance           = [[Infrared homing]]<br />SLX: combined radar and infrared guidance<ref name="SLXseeker">{{cite news |title=Germany's Diehl Defence Unveils Advanced IRIS-T SLX Air Defense Missile System |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2024/germany-s-diehl-defence-unveils-advanced-iris-t-slx-air-defense-missile-system |website=armyrecognition.com |access-date=31 May 2024}}</ref>
| steering           = 4 [[Thrust vectoring|exhaust vanes]] and 4 tail wings<ref name="starstreak" />
| detonation         = Impact and active radar [[proximity fuse]]
| launch_platform    = Air-to-air: <br>[[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]], [[F-4 Phantom II| McDonnell Douglas F-4 AUP]], [[Northrop F-5|Northrop F-5M Super Tigris]], [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon]], [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]], [[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master|Leonardo M-346 Master]], [[Panavia Tornado]], [[Eurofighter Typhoon]], [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle]], [[KAI KF-21 Boramae]]<br>Ground-to-air: <br>IRIS-T SLS, IRIS-T SLM, IRIS-T SLX, [[NASAMS#NASAMS 3|NASAMS-3]]
}}

The '''IRIS-T (infrared imaging system tail/thrust vector-controlled)''' is a family of short range [[infrared homing]] [[air-to-air missile|air-to-air]] and short to medium range [[surface-to-air missile|surface-to-air]] missiles. It is also called '''AIM-2000'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Luft-Luft-Rakete IRIS-T AIM-2000 |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/ausruestung-technik-bundeswehr/ausruestung-bewaffnung/iris-t-aim-2000 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=www.bundeswehr.de |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=AIM-2000 (IRIS-T) Infrared Imaging Seeker - Tail |url=https://www.haf.gr/en/equipment/aim-2000-iris-t-infrared-imaging-seeker-tail/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Hellenic Air Force |language=el}}</ref>

The missile was developed in the late 1990s–early 2000s by a German-led program to produce a short to medium range infrared homing air-to-air missile to replace the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]] in use by some [[NATO]] member countries at the time. A goal of the program was for any aircraft capable of firing the Sidewinder to also be capable of launching the IRIS-T.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diehl.com/fileadmin/diehl-defence/user_upload/flyer/2009_Flyer_IRIS-T_EFA_0509.pdf |title=IRIS-T European Short Range Air-to-Air Missile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119044426/http://www.diehl.com/fileadmin/diehl-defence/user_upload/flyer/2009_Flyer_IRIS-T_EFA_0509.pdf |archive-date=2012-11-19 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The air-to-air variant was fielded in 2005.

==History==

=== Background ===
In August 1980, the USA, the UK, Germany and France signed a [[Memorandum of understanding]] which aimed to develop two types of AAMs to replace existing ones. The USA developed the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) to replace the [[AIM-7 Sparrow]], while the Europe team developed the Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) to replace the [[AIM-9 Sidewinder]]. This work was dusted off for the UK–German effort,<ref>{{Cite book |first1=Chris |last1=Gibson |first2=Tony |last2=Buttler |title=British Secret Projects: Hypersonics, Ramjets and Missiles |url=https://archive.org/details/britishsecretpro0000gibs |publisher=Midland Publishing |page=50 |date=2007 |isbn=9781857802580}}</ref> with the Germans providing a new seeker, and the UK providing most of the remaining components.

In 1987, after years of silence on the program, the US proposed a requirement that the weapon must use Sidewinder rails rather than the universal aircraft rail adaptor named the "missile support unit" that had been developed. This delayed the project by one year as the British, German and Norwegian proposals were redesigned. Fearing erosion of its industrial base, the US proposed it would choose the latest version of its existing Sidewinder design with increased manoeuvrability and IRCCM unless the European partners increased the US industrial workshare,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2022/11/advanced-short-range-air-to-air-missile-asraam/ | title=Advanced Short Range Air to Air Missile (ASRAAM) - Think Defence | date=5 November 2022 }}</ref> designated [[AIM-9X Sidewinder#AIM-9X|AIM-9X]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Tirpak|first=John|title=The Evolution of the Force|url=http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/1996/July%201996/0796force.aspx|access-date=11 June 2014}}</ref> However, the Sidewinder upgrade proposal failed to interest NATO buyers.

After [[German reunification]] in 1990, Germany found itself with large stockpiles of the Soviet [[Vympel R-73]] air-to-air missiles (NATO reporting name: ''AA-11 Archer'') carried by the [[MiG-29 Fulcrum]] and concluded that its capabilities had been noticeably underestimated.<ref>{{cite web|last=Menon|first=KB|title=Evolution of the Air-To-Air Missiles: Options for the IAF|date=17 July 2012 |url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/evolution-of-the-air-to-air-missiles-options-for-the-iaf/|access-date=11 June 2014}}</ref> It was one of the earliest 4th generation WVRAAM and more capable in dogfight than the former 3rd generation ones.<ref name="airpower" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Tim |last=Robinson |date=July 2002 |title=The Market for 4th Generation Dogfight Missiles |magazine=Military Technology |volume=26 |issue=7 |page=51 |quote=The revolution in WVR technology came from Russia, back when it was the Soviet Union, with a missile that was effectively a generation ahead of Western designs. The Vympel R-73 was a revelation when it first appeared in 1986 ... What also was critical with R-73 was its integration with a helmet-mounted sight, allowing impressive off-boresight shots. |issn=0722-3226}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |first=Lon O. |last=Nordeen |date=January 2004 |title=A Half-Century of Jet-Fighter Combat |magazine=Journal of Electronic Defense |volume=27 |issue=1 |page=46 |quote=Western military planners have had widespread access to Russian technology, which revealed the uncomfortable lead the R-73 had over the American AIM-9L. With the helmet-mounted sight, the R-73 could be cued by head movement to hit a target within 180 degrees of the centerline. |issn=0192-429X}}</ref> In 1990, Germany withdrew from the [[ASRAAM]] project, while the UK resolved to find another seeker and develop ASRAAM according to the original range requirement.<ref>{{cite book |title=Arms and the State: Patterns of Military Production and Trade |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |date=25 August 1995 |page=253 |isbn=0521558662 |no-pp=true}}</ref> In 1992, the missile development programme ultimately separated with the UK the ASRAAM, France the [[MBDA MICA]], US the AIM-9X and Germany electing to restart development on what became the IRIS-T.

===Development===
In 1995, Germany announced the start of the IRIS-T development, in collaboration with Greece, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Canada. In 1997, Germany had invested more than 500 million [[Deutsche Mark|DM]] in this project and held a 46% share. In addition, Italy accounted for 20%, Sweden 18%, Greece 8%, Canada 4% and Norway 3%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%203230.html |periodical=Flightglobal |title=Germany clears IRIS-T missile development |date=2 December 1997 |access-date=23 July 2014 |archive-date=2016-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807154412/https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%203230.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> Canada later dropped out, while Spain joined as a procurement partner in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=IRIS-T – the world's highest-performance, short-range, air-to-air guided missile |url=http://www.diehl.com/en/nc/diehl-group/press/iris-t-the-worlds-highest-performance-short-range-air-to-air-guided-missile/190.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306174050/http://www.diehl.com/en/nc/diehl-group/press/iris-t-the-worlds-highest-performance-short-range-air-to-air-guided-missile/190.html |archive-date=2016-03-06 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[German Air Force]] took first delivery of the missile in December 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Germany+tees-off+with+Iris.-a0143304030 |title=Germany tees-off with Iris. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910172546/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Germany+tees-off+with+Iris.-a0143304030 |archive-date=2017-09-10 |access-date=11 June 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Missile characteristics==
In comparison to the AIM-9M Sidewinder, the IRIS-T has higher [[Electronic countermeasure|ECM]] resistance and flare suppression.<ref>{{cite web|title= IRIS-T Guided Missile Family, Germany | publisher = Diehl |url= http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-guided-missile-family/iris-t.html|access-date=11 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603073851/http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/products/guided-missiles/iris-t-guided-missile-family/iris-t.html |archive-date=2018-06-03 |url-status= dead}}</ref> Improvements in target discrimination allow for five to eight times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9L<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Georg |last=Mader |date=2016 |title=Air-to-Air Missile Update |magazine=Military Technology |volume=40 |issue=6 |page=129 |issn=0722-3226 |quote=Improvements in target discrimination not only allows for 5-8 times longer head-on firing range than the AIM-9L}}</ref> and three to four times longer target acquiring range than the AIM-9M.<ref name="anyone" /> Its seeker can receive cues from radar, helmet mounted display, [[Infrared search and track|infrared search and track device]], [[Missile approach warning system|missile approach warner]] and [[data link]].<ref name="IRIS-T_Eurofighter" /> It can engage targets behind the launching aircraft, made possible by extreme close-in agility, allowing turns of 60 ''g'' at a rate of 60°/s via thrust vectoring and [[Lock-on after launch|LOAL]] capability.<ref name=diehl /><ref>{{cite web|title= IRIS-T Air-to-Air Guided Missile, Germany | work = Air force technology |url= http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/iris-t-air-air-guided-missile-germany/|access-date=11 June 2014}}</ref>

The IRIS-T belongs to 5th generation IR-guided missiles which introduce infrared imaging seeker.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Anil Kumar |last=Maini |title=Precision-Guided Munitions: Infra-Red-Guided Weapons |magazine=Electronics For You |date=April 2015 |volume=3 |issue=12 |page=84 |issn=0013-516X}}</ref> Compared to the other 5th generation IR-guided missiles, such as AIM-9X, ASRAAM which use [[staring array]],<ref name="flight" /> the IRIS-T uses an [[InSb]]<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Paolo |last=Quaranta |date=2016 |title=Missile Guidance Technology |magazine=Military Technology |volume=40 |issue=7/8 |page=26 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref> two-colour seeker based around a 128x2 linear array and a scanning mirror which builds an image from a row of detector elements and scans rapidly across the target. It would produce a 128x128 size image 80 times per second.<ref name="flight">{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/short-range-square-off-67103/ |periodical=Flightglobal |title=Short-range square-off |date=27 June 2000 |access-date=13 July 2014 |archive-date=2016-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604151533/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/short-range-square-off-67103/ |url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Friedman|1997|p=423}} Each of the elements has a resolution in milliradians.<ref name="anyone">{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/any-one-for-iris-t-2342/ |publisher=Flightglobal |title=Any one for IRIS-T |date=30 April 1997 |access-date=23 July 2014 |archive-date=2016-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807154626/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/any-one-for-iris-t-2342/ |url-status=live}}</ref> It was regarded to have good resistance against [[Directional Infrared Counter Measures|DIRCM]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=2010 |title=IRIS-T - European Short Range Air-to-Air Missile |magazine=Military Technology |volume=34 |issue=7 |page=175 |issn=0722-3226 |quote=IRIS-T provides the pilot with an unmatched full sphere launch capability under all modern countermeasure conditions, inciuding blinding laser}}</ref><ref name="diehl-brochure-2018" /> [[Diehl Defence|Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik GmbH]] (BGT) claimed that scanning arrays were less susceptible than staring arrays as the former receive the DIRCM energy for fractions of a second whereas the latter receive it continuously.<ref name="flight" />

The IRIS-T is able to intercept fast-moving and miniature targets, such as air-to-air/surface-to-air missiles and air-to-surface/surface-to-surface missiles and rockets, UAV/drones, and cruise missiles. To improve the probability of a direct hit, the missile is equipped with a [[Ku band|K<sub>u</sub> band]]<ref name="flight" /> active radar proximity fuze.<ref name="diehl-brochure-2018">{{cite web|url= https://www.diehl.com/cms/files/Diehl_Defence_Brosch%C3%BCre2018_en.pdf|title= Living in a safe environment: Technology for peace and freedom| publisher =[[Diehl Defence]] |accessdate=6 July 2022}}</ref>

The IRIS-T has the unique ability, in comparison to other similar missiles such as the AIM-9X, to target and shoot down other air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles, thus offering a 360° defence capability.<ref name= diehl /><ref name="IRIS-T_Eurofighter">{{cite web|title= IRIS-T European Short Range Air-to-air Missile | publisher = Diehl |url= http://www.diehl.com/fileadmin/diehl-defence/user_upload/flyer/IRIS-T_e_Eurofighter.pdf|access-date= 10 March 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130612054850/http://www.diehl.com/fileadmin/diehl-defence/user_upload/flyer/IRIS-T_e_Eurofighter.pdf |archive-date= 12 June 2013|url-status= dead}}</ref> Surface launched variants of the IRIS-T, the IRIS-T SLS and IRIS-T SLM, have enhanced capabilities to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar rockets and large-calibre rockets. They have a high probability of a killing shot against UAVs and other small manoeuvring threats at very-short and medium-range distances.<ref>{{cite web |title= IRIS-T SL Surface-to-Air Guided Missile | work = Air force technology |url= http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/iris-t-sl-surface-to-air-guided-missile/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141031175346/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/iris-t-sl-surface-to-air-guided-missile |archive-date=2014-10-31 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]] (RNoAF) has tested a new air-to-surface capability developed by Diehl BGT Defence for the IRIS-T. A proof of concept test firing to acquire, track, and engage a target representing a small fast attack boat was conducted in Norway in September 2016, where the IRIS-T missile was launched from an RNoAF F-16AM multirole aircraft. For the air-to-surface role, the missile retains the same standard IRIS-T AAM hardware configuration, including the HE warhead and IIR guidance package, with only an updated software insertion required to deliver the additional ground attack capability.<ref>{{cite web|title= Diehl develops air-to-surface capability for IRIS-T AAM |url= http://www.janes.com/article/66304/diehl-develops-air-to-surface-capability-for-iris-t-aam | work = Jane’s |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161216141501/http://www.janes.com/article/66304/diehl-develops-air-to-surface-capability-for-iris-t-aam |archive-date=2016-12-16 |url-status= dead}}</ref> This basic air-to-ground capability provides the ability to acquire, track and engage individual ground targets like boats, ships, small buildings and vehicles.<ref>{{cite web| publisher = Diehl | type = Press release | title = Royal Norwegian Air Force tested IRIS-T in air-to-ground mission|url= http://www.diehl.com/en/nc/diehl-defence/press/royal-norwegian-air-force-tested-iris-t-in-air-to-ground-mission.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161216115459/http://www.diehl.com/en/nc/diehl-defence/press/royal-norwegian-air-force-tested-iris-t-in-air-to-ground-mission.html |archive-date=2016-12-16 |url-status= dead}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:IRIS-T Schnitt.jpg|Subassemblies of the IRIS-T
File:Irist expo mount.JPG|[[German Air Force]] airmen mount an IRIS-T to a [[Eurofighter]]
File:Iris.ogg|Movement of the seeker head
</gallery>

==Variants==
{{commons category|IRIS-T SAM}}
=== Operational ===
By June 2024, three variants were available: The initial ''IRIS-T'' air to air missile with 25 km range, ''IRIS-T SLS'' (short range) with 12&nbsp;km range and 8&nbsp;km altitude and ''IRIS-T SLM'' (medium range) with 40&nbsp;km range and 20&nbsp;km maximum altitude.<ref name="irist_egypts_choice">{{cite web | url=https://defenceredefined.com.cy/iris-t-slm-gbad-system-egypts-choice-to-boost-air-defence-photos-video/ | title=IRIS-T SLM GBAD system &#124; Egypt's choice to boost air defence - PHOTOS & VIDEO | date=20 December 2021 }}</ref><ref name="hensoldt-diehl-gbad">{{cite web | url=https://www.hensoldt.net/news/diehl-defence-and-hensoldt-are-enhancing-the-performance-of-their-existing-ground-based-air-defence-systems/ | title=DIEHL DEFENCE and HENSOLDT are enhancing the performance of their existing ground-based air defence systems | date=6 April 2022 }}</ref> A third variant, ''IRIS-T SLX'' (long range) variant with a dual-mode (IR and RF) seeker, a range of 80&nbsp;km and a maximum altitude of 30&nbsp;km, is in development {{as of|2024|6|lc=on}}.<ref name="SLXdevelopment">{{cite news |title=Diehl Defence with strong trade fair presence at ILA 2024 |date=29 May 2024 |url=https://www.diehl.com/defence/en/press-and-media/news/diehl-defence-with-strong-trade-fair-presence-at-ila-2024/ |publisher=Diehl Defence |access-date=1 June 2024}}</ref>

Due to increased demand due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, [[Diehl Defence]] is increasing production of IRIS-T systems and missiles. It plans to produce three to four systems in 2024 and at least eight in 2025, with missile production planned to grow to around 400 to 500 per year starting in 2024.<ref>[https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2023_global_security_army_industry/diehl_defence_ramps_up_production_of_iris-t_missile_systems.html#google_vignette Diehl Defence ramps up production of IRIS-T missile systems]. ''Army Recognition''. 6 September 2023.</ref>

==== IRIS-T air-to-air missile ====
It is the initial variant of the IRIS-T missile.

===In development===

==== IRIS-T AAM Block 2 ====
In June 2024, Diehl Defence revealed that they were working on a new variant of IRIS-T AAM which will benefit from a new seeker, replacement electronics and a data link capability.<ref name="2024ILA">{{cite news |author=Craig Hoyle |date=6 June 2024 |title=Defensive role in Ukraine helps to propel IRIS-T air-defence developments |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/defensive-role-in-ukraine-helps-to-propel-iris-t-air-defence-developments/158669.article |access-date=9 June 2024}}</ref> 

The German parliament approved its financing in December 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-18 |title=Bundestag billigt 38 Rüstungsvorhaben für rund 21 Milliarden Euro |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/bundestag-billigt-38-ruestungsvorhaben-fuer-rund-21-milliarden-euro/ |access-date=2024-12-19 |language=de}}</ref> The contract was signed in January 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-30 |title=Diehl Defence secures contract for further development of IRIS-T Block II |url=https://defence-industry.eu/diehl-defence-secures-contract-for-further-development-of-iris-t-block-ii/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |language=en}}</ref> In February 2025, Sweden, Italy and Spain also joined the effort to modernise the IRIS-T missile.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redacción |date=2025-02-04 |title=Germany, Spain, Italy, and Sweden order Diehl Defence to develop the Block II version of the IRIS-T missile for their Air Forces' fighters |url=https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/02/04/germany-spain-italy-and-sweden-order-diehl-defence-to-develop-the-block-ii-version-of-the-iris-t-missile-for-their-air-forces-fighters/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=Zona Militar |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== IRIS-T FCAAM air-to-air missile ====
[[File:ILA 2024, Schoenefeld (ILA44513).jpg|thumb|FCAAM]]
Diehl mentioned in 2022 that it was working on a 6th generation of short-range air-to-air missiles, and it is known as the ''"Future Combat Air-to-Air Missile"''. This missile is being designed to become one of the weapons of the European [[Future Combat Air System]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valpolini |first=Paolo |date=2022-07-27 |title=IRIS-T FCAAM: the future SRAAM 6th generation missile by Diehl Defence |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/iris-t-fcaam-the-future-sraam-6th-generation-missile-by-diehl-defence |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=EDR Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> Some new features of IRIS-T FCAAM might include a stealthy non-cylindrical cross-section, multiple-spectrum IR sensor, advanced data processing, a two-way datalink, and a dual pulse/multi-pulse rocket motor.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Anil |last=Raj |date=2023 |title=Present and future air-to-air missiles |magazine=Military Technology |volume=47 |issue=1 |page=22 |issn=0722-3226}}</ref>

==== IRIS-T air-to-surface missile ====
For the air-to-surface role, the only difference from air-to-air version is an updated software insertion required to deliver the additional ground attack capability. Tested by the [[Royal Norwegian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Diehl develops air-to-surface capability for IRIS-T AAM |url=http://www.janes.com/article/66304/diehl-develops-air-to-surface-capability-for-iris-t-aam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216141501/http://www.janes.com/article/66304/diehl-develops-air-to-surface-capability-for-iris-t-aam |archive-date=2016-12-16}}</ref>

==== IDAS ====
{{Main|IDAS (missile)}}

The IDAS variant is a naval version of the missile, and is also being developed for the new [[Type 212A submarine]] of the [[German Navy]]. IDAS is supposed to engage air threats, small or medium surface vessels or near land targets.<ref>{{Cite web |title=null |url=https://www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com/en/products-services/innovations/missile-system-idas |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com |language=en}}</ref>

The latest stage of development qualification is planned for 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valenti |first=Alix |date=2023-05-11 |title=Update on IDAS submarine-launched missile with TKMS |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/05/update-on-idas-submarine-launched-missile-with-tkms/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2022, the Germany Ministry of Defense revised the budget proposal and canceled the project to buy the IDAS;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://augengeradeaus.net/2022/10/nach-rechnungshof-kritik-weniger-projekte-im-bundeswehr-sondervermoegen/ |title=Nach Rechnungshof-Kritik: Weniger Projekte im Bundeswehr-Sondervermögen |author=Thomas Wiegold |date=28 November 2022 |access-date=8 April 2024 |language=de}}</ref> however in 2024 the project was restarted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-18 |title=Marine erhält vier neue U-Boote der Klasse 212 CD |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/marine-erhaelt-vier-neue-u-boote-der-klasse-212-cd/ |access-date=2024-12-18 |language=de}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:BGT IDAS.jpg|A model of the [[IDAS (missile)|IDAS]]
File:Barracuda torpedo and IDAS.jpg|An IDAS and a [[Superkavitierender Unterwasserlaufkörper|Barracuda]] torpedo at the TechDemo'08 Exhibition, 2008
</gallery>

=== Cancelled projects ===

==== LFK NG ====
{{main|LFK NG}}
LFK NG was a surface-to-air variant tehat was developed by the Diehl BGT Defence and MBDA/LFK for the Germany air defence plan called SysFla ({{langx|de|System Flugabwehr}}). Its weight is 28 kg, which is just one third of the original IRIS-T AAM. It would be equipped on the Army's [[Wiesel 1#Wiesel 2|Ozelot]] air defence system and [[Eurocopter Tiger]]. It has the operational range of 10 km.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.diehl.com/fileadmin/diehl-defence/user_upload/flyer/LFK_NG_Produktflyer.pdf |periodical=Diehl |title=LFK NG |date=8 August 2014 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923214717/http://www.diehl.com/fileadmin/diehl-defence/user_upload/flyer/LFK_NG_Produktflyer.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-23 |language=de |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2012, the German Army air defence units {{ill|Heeresflugabwehrtruppe|de}} was disbanded.<ref>{{cite web |author=René Hinz |date=30 April 2024 |title=Heeresflugabwehrtruppe wird neu aufgestellt |url=https://www.bundeswehr.de/de/organisation/heer/aktuelles/heeresflugabwehrtruppe-wird-neu-aufgestellt-5777698 |access-date=3 May 2024 |website=www.bundeswehr.de |location=Strausberg |language=de}}</ref> There's no further news about this variant afterward.

== Operators ==
[[File:IRIS-T operators.svg|thumb|upright=1.35|Operators
{{legend|#0564d6|Current}}
{{legend|#ff6600|Future}}
]]

The following operators are listed and defined as of June 2023.

=== Current operators ===
; {{flag|Austria}}
: 25<ref name="defenseindustrydaily.com2">{{cite news |title=South Africa Orders IRIS-T Missiles |work=Defense industry daily |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/South-Africa-Orders-IRIS-T-Missiles-04948/ |access-date=17 June 2014}}</ref>
; {{flag|Brazil}}
: IRIS-T missiles for the new [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] E/F variants.<ref name="defenseindustrydaily.com2" /><ref>{{cite news |date=15 September 2017 |title=Conheça as armas do caça Saab Gripen E/F da FAB |language=pt |website=Poder Aéreo |url=https://www.aereo.jor.br/2017/09/15/conheca-as-armas-do-caca-saab-gripen-ef-da-fab}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 December 2021 |title=FAB adquire os modernos mísseis ar-ar IRIS-T para o Gripen |url=https://www.defesaaereanaval.com.br/aviacao/fab-adquire-os-modernos-misseis-ar-ar-iris-t-para-o-gripen |work=Defesa aérea & naval}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 December 2021 |title=Caça F-39 Gripen realiza ensaios com quatro mísseis Meteor em GPX |url=https://www.aereo.jor.br/2025/02/07/caca-f-39-gripen-realiza-ensaios-com-quatro-misseis-meteor-em-gpx/ |work=Poder Aéreo}}</ref>
; {{flag|Germany}}
: 1,250 missiles in a first order.<ref name="defenseindustrydaily.com2" /> 
: In 2023 a framework contract for up to 1,280 missiles was signed to replace those given as aid to Ukraine (120 ordered in a first batch).<ref>{{cite news|date= 11 December 2023 |title= Beschaffung von bis zu 1.280 IRIS-T geplant |language= DE |website= Hartpunkt |url=https://www.hartpunkt.de/beschaffung-von-bis-zu-1-280-iris-t-geplant/}}</ref>  
; {{flag|Greece}}
: 350 IRIS-T missiles<ref name="defenseindustrydaily.com2" />
; {{flag|Italy}}
: 444 IRIS-T missiles budget €217m, between 2003 and 2015.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2012 |title=Nota Aggiuntiva allo stato di previsione per la Difesa per l'anno 2012 |url=http://www.difesa.it/Approfondimenti/Nota-aggiuntiva/Documents/NotaAggiuntiva2012.pdf |access-date=19 April 2014 |publisher=Ministero delle Difesa |page=II - 1.C/7 |quote=Programma, in cooperazione internazionale con GERMANIA, SVEZIA, GRECIA, CANADA e NORVEGIA relativo allo sviluppo e produzione e supporto in sevizio di 444 missili aria/aria a corto raggio di nuova generazione |language=it |archive-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234716/http://www.difesa.it/Approfondimenti/Nota-aggiuntiva/Documents/NotaAggiuntiva2012.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref>
; {{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
: 1,400 IRIS-T missiles<ref>{{cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |access-date=19 April 2014 |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |archive-date=14 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
: 150 additional ordered in January 2024 (ordered to replace the ones used to shoot down Houthi drones)<ref>{{cite news |title=Germany to resume arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia with IRIS-T missiles |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/germany-resume-arms-deliveries-saudi-arabia-with-iris-t-missiles-2024-01-10/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |work=Reuters |date=10 January 2024 |location=Berlin}}</ref>
; {{flag|South Africa}}
: 25 IRIS-T missiles delivered as interim armament for [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] aircraft until the completion of the [[A-Darter]] SRAAM project.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sipri: Trade Registers |url=http://portal.sipri.org/publications/pages/transfer/trade-register |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140423140358/http://portal.sipri.org/publications/pages/transfer/trade-register |archive-date=23 April 2014 |access-date=11 March 2015 |publisher=Portal.sipri.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=23 May 2011 |title=SAAF maintaining IRIS-T |publisher=defenceWeb |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15548:saaf-maintaining-iris-t&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |access-date=11 March 2015}}</ref>
; {{flag|Spain}}
: 700 IRIS-T missiles.<ref name="defenseindustrydaily.com2" /> Original budget €247m, final cost €291m.<ref name="PEAs2">{{cite web |date=September 2011 |title=Evaluación de los Programas Especiales de Armamento (PEAs) |trans-title=Special armament programs evaluation |url=http://www.revistatenea.es/revistaatenea/revista/PDF/documentos/Documento_1026.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024113307/http://www.revistatenea.es/revistaatenea/revista/PDF/documentos/Documento_1026.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2013 |access-date=30 September 2012 |work=Atenea |publisher=Ministerio de Defensa |language=es |location=Madrid}}</ref>
; {{flag|Sweden}}
: 450 IRIS-T missiles, designated ''Jaktrobotsystem 98'' (jrbs 98).<ref name="defenseindustrydaily.com2" /> IRIS-T SLS variant used in ground-based air defense systems.
; {{flag|Thailand}}
: 220 IRIS-T missiles ordered.<ref name="diehl12" /> To be integrated with [[Northrop F-5|F-5T]], [[Saab Jas 39 Gripen|Gripen C/D]], and [[F-16]] eMLU.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |title=Thai F-5s to fight on with IRIS-T missiles |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/thai-f-5s-to-fight-on-with-iris-t-missiles/128499.article |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

=== Former operators ===
; {{flag|Norway}}
: 150 IRIS-T missiles.<ref name="diehl12">{{cite web |title=Diehl Defence: IRIS-T, the short-distance missile of the latest generation |url=http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/press-media/subjects-in-the-focus/iris-t-the-short-distance-missile-of-the-latest-generation.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330051726/http://www.diehl.com/en/diehl-defence/press-media/subjects-in-the-focus/iris-t-the-short-distance-missile-of-the-latest-generation.html |archive-date=30 March 2014 |access-date=19 April 2014 |publisher=Diehl.com}}</ref> Taken out of service along with the F-16 in 2022. Missiles donated to Ukraine in August 2023.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 August 2023 |title=Norway to donate air defence missiles to Ukraine |language=en |website=regjeringen.no (Norwegian Government) |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/norway-to-donate-air-defence-missiles-to-ukraine/id2991999/
}}</ref>

=== Future operators ===
; {{flag|Hungary}}
: IRIS-T integration for Hungarian [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen]] MS20 Block II modernization program was ordered in December 2021.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 December 2021 |title=A legkorszerűbb légiharc-rakétákkal bővül a Magyar Honvédség Gripenjeinek fegyverzete |language=hu |website=webradio.hu |url=https://www.webradio.hu/hirek/belfold/a-legkorszerubb-legiharc-raketakkal-bovul-a-magyar-honvedseg-gripenjeinek-fegyverzete}}</ref>
; {{flag|South Korea}}
: IRIS-T integration for the [[KAI KF-21 Boramae|KF-X]] fighter program was ordered in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/march/4148-south-korea-confirms-meteor-iris-t-integration-on-kf-x-fighter-jet.html|title=South Korea confirms Meteor, Iris-T integration on KF-X fighter jet|website=www.airrecognition.com|accessdate=3 February 2024|archive-date=22 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122073141/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/march/4148-south-korea-confirms-meteor-iris-t-integration-on-kf-x-fighter-jet.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first test firing took place in April 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubois |first=Gastón |date=2023-04-05 |title=KF-21 Boramae fired an IRIS-T missile for the first time |url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/04/kf-21-boramae-fired-an-iris-t-missile-for-the-first-time/ |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Aviacionline.com |language=es}}</ref> On 17 May 2024, Diehl Defence declared that a KF-21 fighter had successfully fired an IRIS-T AAM to attack the target drone designated by the onboard AESA radar.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.diehl.com/defence/en/press-and-media/news/kai-kf-21-accomplished-first-successful-firing-of-iris-t/?sid=62 |title=Kai KF-21 accomplished first successful firing of IRIS-T |date=17 May 2024 |publisher=[[Diehl Defence]] |access-date=20 May 2024}}</ref>

=== Potential operators ===
; {{Flag|Romania}}
: Trials are ongoing on the [[IAR 99|IAR-99SM]] with the IRIS-T missile.

==See also==
*{{lwc|A-Darter}}
*{{lwc|AAM-5 (Japanese missile)|AAM-5}}
*{{lwc|AIM-9 Sidewinder#AIM-9X|AIM-9X Sidewinder}}
*{{lwc|ASRAAM}}
*{{lwc|Merlin (missile)|Merlin}} (Turkey)
* {{lwc|Hisar (missile family)|Hisar}}
*{{lwc|MICA (missile)|MICA}}
*{{lwc|PL-10}}
*{{lwc|Python (missile)#Python-5|Python 5}}
*{{lwc|R-73 (missile)|R-73}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite thesis |first=Martin |last=Andersson |title=Möjliga efterträdare till robotsystem 70 |date=2012 |degree=PhD |language=sv |url=https://fhs.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:545958/FULLTEXT01 |publisher=[[Military Academy Karlberg]]}}
* {{cite book |first=Norman |last=Friedman |title=The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997–1998 |url=https://archive.org/details/navalinstitutegu0000frie |publisher=US Naval Inst. Pr. |date=1997 |pages=422–423 |isbn=9781557502681}}
{{Refend}}

==Further reading==
* Bonds, Ray ed. ''The Modern US War Machine''. New York City: Crown Publishers, 1989. {{ISBN|0-517-68802-6}}.

==External links==
{{Commons category|IRIS-T}}
* {{Official website}}

[[Category:International air-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of Germany]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Air-to-surface missiles]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Air-to-air missiles of Germany]]
[[Category:Short range air-to-air missiles]]