German defense manufacturer Diehl Defence unveiled the IRIS-T SLS MK 4 short-range air defense system at the ILA 2026 air show in Berlin on September 3, 2026. Described by the company as a direct evolution of a combat-proven platform, the fourth-generation system integrates radar, command-and-control, and a launch unit onto a single highly mobile vehicle.
A key upgrade in the MK 4 standard is the increase in ready-to-fire missiles from four to eight, doubling engagement capacity to counter drone swarms and loitering munitions where reaction windows are measured in seconds. The system features an effective engagement range of 12 kilometers and altitude coverage up to 6 kilometers. Its architecture is vehicle-independent, allowing mounting across different platforms according to customer requirements, according to UNITED24 Media.
Automation defines the new system, utilizing automated target detection, tracking, engagement planning, and firing sequencing to reduce crew requirements and accelerate response times against aerial threats such as cruise missiles. The missile hardware remains unchanged, and the platform is designed to gain a future fire-on-the-move capability. Developed in alignment with NATO requirements, the system integrates into layered air defense concepts.
