Germany develops alternative to US Patriot system with Diehl’s IRIS-T SLX
Germany's Diehl Defence is enhancing the IRIS-T air-defense system with a new longer-range variant, the IRIS-T SLX, to reduce reliance on US Patriot missile interceptors.
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Germany's Diehl Defence is enhancing the IRIS-T air-defense system with a new longer-range variant, the IRIS-T SLX, to reduce reliance on US Patriot missile interceptors.

Germany is developing the Cobra 600, an armed jet drone capable of carrying an IRIS-T guided missile, designed to extend the range of ground-based air defense systems.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed damage to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant's turbine hall wall following a drone attack, while also stating that radiation levels remained normal. Ukraine denied striking the occupied plant but acknowledged hitting Russian energy targets.

NATO allies have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine, with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urging continued support and highlighting a collective $60 billion in military aid from member states. This includes new specific pledges from Germany and the UK, providing Patriot missiles, IRIS-T systems, and 120,000 drones to bolster Ukraine's defenses.

German company Diehl Defence has officially presented the newest variant of its IRIS-T air defense system family, the IRIS-T SLM/X, which significantly extends its range and introduces a universal launcher.

Estonia's first medium-range IRIS-T SLM air defense system was delivered to Ämari Air Base on Monday, significantly enhancing the country's air defense capabilities, according to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur.
Ukraine has signed nearly 20 agreements with European countries for joint defense production, aiming to boost its arms manufacturing capabilities. This includes a notable initiative by the IRIS-T missile manufacturer to produce 'Flamingo' missiles in Germany with Ukraine.

Ukraine has received a new IRIS-T launcher from Germany, part of an April agreement in Berlin where Germany pledged to finance hundreds of Patriot air defense missiles and 36 IRIS-T launchers.

European leaders are reportedly discussing alternative plans for defense and security, including a separate joint European army, in case the United States withdraws from NATO under a potential future Trump administration.

Estonia has received the first of three German IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense missile systems. This delivery significantly enhances Estonia's air defense capabilities.

France has intercepted and seized an oil tanker in the Atlantic Ocean that is believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet.' The action has drawn strong condemnation from the Kremlin, which labeled it as 'piracy'.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Germany for providing a new IRIS-T air defense system, as Ukraine braces for further Russian attacks. He also emphasized the need for international partners to impose joint sanctions to stop Russian aggression and confirmed a strike on an oil refinery in Russia's Saratov region.

German defense giant Diehl Defence announced an improved version of its IRIS-T air defense system at the Enforce Tac 2026 exhibition, a development that indirectly affects Bulgaria and is compared to the US Patriot systems.