Air-to-air supremacy
Developed, produced and in-service by the member nations as well as in service by several user countries. IRIS-T is a supreme short-range, incredibly maneuverable, all-aspect air-to-air missile. Equipped with an innovative infrared seeker, thrust-vector control and a dogfight optimized motor, you can engage any target from point-blank up to maximum range.
Building on its predecessors, IRIS-T is characterized by significantly increased maneuverability and firing zones. Enhanced acquisition range, higher hit accuracy and warhead effectiveness as well as superior resistance to countermeasures. IRIS-T can also successfully engage targets behind the launching aircraft and be used in lock-on before and after launch operations.
Uniting expertise
The IRIS-T programme sees Germany, Greece, Norway, Italy, Spain and Sweden unite to provide access to technology and expertise. Diehl Defence is the main contractor.
Infrared seeker
The imaging infrared seeker provides extremely high resolution, target discrimination and flare suppression, even when facing the latest countermeasures. It has all-aspect capability and an acquisition range that is compatible with the missile’s full kinematic range.
Propulsion and thrust-vector control
The combination of the solid propellant motor and thrust-vector control mean highly manoeuvrable targets can be engaged anywhere, including directly behind the firing aircraft.
Although a fired IRIS-T often results in a direct hit, it is fitted with a proximity fuze and a high-explosive fragmented warhead.
Precision design, maximum compatibility
IRIS-T’s diameter, length, mass and centre of gravity position have been deliberately chosen so it is compatible with its Sidewinder predecessor.
The missile launcher interface has also been designed to suit both the previous analogue Sidewinder interface and modern fighters’ digital interfaces.