German Diehl Defence announced the integration of a IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence launcher module on an F125 (Baden-Württemberg-class) frigate.
A palletised launcher was integrated on a F125 frigate for the Maritime Firing Exercise 2025. Diehl stated that the navalised module demonstrator, to allow platforms without provision to launch the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence missile, was test-fired. The integration, beyond the demonstration value, holds importance for the F125 frigates, which have been regarded as under-armed for their displacement.
IRIS-T SLM
IRIS-T SLM is the medium-range variant in Diehl’s IRIS-T SL air defence missile line, an adaptation of the IRIS-T WVRAAM. Whereas the short-range IRIS-T SLS is essentially the baseline IRIS-T, IRIS-T SLM employs a larger rocket motor and a clamshell fairing to protect the IIR seeker from high-speed effects. The missile has a maximum range of 40 km and a ceiling of 15 km.
As a follow-up to IRIS-T SLM, Diehl is developing the long-range option IRIS-T SLX to incorporate an RF+IIR seeker and even larger rocket motor with a range of 80+ km.
Rectifying a Strategic Mistake?
F125 or Baden-Württemberg-class frigates, despite weighing roughly 7000 tonnes and carrying fixed TRS-4D AESA radars, are not armed with launchers for medium-range or long-range missiles like RIM-162 ESSM or SM-2. This strange occurrence, despite the fact that preceding Saschen-class frigates are far better fitted for the air defence role with 32 Mk41 VLS cells, is attributed to a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, the frigates were constructed in an era where Germany expected low-intensity missions like countering naval insurgency or smugglers or performing low-endurance patrols. This led to a ship with large space to accommodate its crew for as long as possible while having a weapons load only to defend itself.
Secondly, the shortage of anti-aircraft warfare officers somewhat limited the options for air defence capabilities, going up to the end of point defence regime.
Eventually, the intensifying risks of conflicts, starting with the war in Ukraine, have shown that expecting to perform low-intensity combat duties for a warship as large as F125 is an example of negligence regarding political volatility.
Thus, the integration of IRIS-T SLM can be regarded as a part of efforts to rectify this mistake to provide a large-sized frigate with highly capable sensors, a form of area air defence capability.
Beyond this, it can be seen that Germany has taken its notes on the matter when the future F127 frigate, to incorporate a significant weapons load of 64 VLS cells and the AEGIS combat system, is inspected roughly.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
