German F125 frigates to receive IRIS-T SLM adaptation under new contract

According to Diehl, the anti-air warfare (AAW) module was fitted on the ship’s C-deck, with work advancing from concept through firing in less than ten months. The company reported that the demonstrator achieved all established test and evaluation objectives.

The Bundeswehr reported three live missile launches at night, with shipboard radar data fed into the missile system’s software. It described this as the first functional connection between the ship’s sensors and the weapon system. All three missiles were fired as planned.

IRIS-T SLM has a range of around 40 kilometres and altitude coverage up to 20 kilometres.

The F125, also known as the Baden-Württemberg class, comprises four frigates. Its existing missile-based point-defence armament comprises 42 RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles. Baird Maritime’s review of the class’s final ship, Rheinland-Pfalz, details its equipment and armament.