IRIS-T air defence system

Germany plans to build a multi-layered missile shield, deploying IRIS-T anti-missiles manufactured by Bavarian-based Diehl Defence, Israeli Arrow 3 and U.S. Patriot systems


IRIS-T (Infra-Red Imaging System – Tail / Thrust Vector) 

System: 360-degree multifunction radar (above), can track multiple targets at same time, missile launch system (below) and fire control centre

Lock-On Before Launch: Allows missile to lock on to target while in launch container. LOBL gives target far less warning, improving chance of hit

Infra-red homing: High-definition image system can distinguish between counter-measures – flares and lasers – and target

Warhead: 11.4kg high-explosive, fragmented

Range: 40km, can reach altitude of 20km, at speed of Mach 3 (3,700km/h)

Thrust vectoring: Turns missile faster and more tightly than most manoeuvrable target

Sources: Bloomberg, Defence, Global Security
Pictures: Diehl Defence
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