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Diehl IRIS-T SLS MK4 “ZETROS” - New All-in-One and Mobile Multi-Talent
Hi and welcome to my 119th suggestion, which is about the German IRIS-T SLS MK4, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
- Please, keep distance from Political discussions, comments on that matter will be deleted
Basic Background
The German Luftwaffe has so far ordered six IRIS-T SLM air defense systems from the manufacturer Diehl Defence, all estimated to be in operational by 2027 - one delivered to the Luftwaffe Flugabwehrraketengruppe 61 in Todendorf earlier this year, one in testing by BAAINBw - while the Lieutenant General Lutz Kohlhaus, Deputy Inspector General of the Luftwaffe estimates that at least six additional systems are needed - i.e. it is anticipated that twelve IRIS-T SLM systems will initially be deployed with Flugabwehrraketengeschwader 1 of the Luftwaffe.
However, this is only the beginning: a total of around 50 systems are planned, which are to be procured in the future to comprehensively expand not only the Air Force’s capabilities but also the Heers ground-based air defense. Although the exact distribution of these 50 systems between the Luftwaffe and the Heer has not yet been finalized, it is considered certain that the Army will have significantly stronger air defense capabilities of its own in the future - this will complement already ordered systems, such as the Boxer Skyranger.
Furthermore, plans are already underway to integrate the IRIS-T SLX guided missile, currently under final development, in order to further enhance the overall system’s capabilities. If the order is placed in a timely manner, a corresponding “proof of concept” could be realized as early as 2029.
However, this is only the beginning of a much more comprehensive effort to build a layered air defense system. A total of around 50 systems are planned, which are intended to significantly strengthen not only the Air Force but also the Army’s ground-based air defense capabilities in the future. This structure relies on staggered levels of engagement: long-range systems to counter threats from a distance, medium-range systems such as the IRIS-T SLM/X for flexible operational areas, and short-range defense for point defense, for example through systems like the Boxer Skyranger. The goal is a continuous protective shield capable of countering various threats - from cruise missiles to drones - in a tiered and redundant manner.
As final layer, the new IRIS-T SLS MK4 was now also presented; as a specialized short-range variant, it is intended to enable even denser coverage of the lower airspace zone, especially for troop protection. This creates a tightly integrated architecture within the IRIS-T family comprising SLS, SLM, and, upcoming SLX, as well as HYDEF (which’ possible final form can already be seen in the background), seamlessly connecting the various range levels.
The IRIS-T SLS MK4 Overall
The new IRIS-T SLS MK4 is designed as a comprehensive “all-in-one” solution that integrates radar, C2 system, launcher and power supply onto a single platform. As a compact system it uses Saab’s Giraffe 1X as its FCS Radar. It is a compact AESA 3D radar for air situation awareness and drone defense with a range of up to approximately 75 km for air targets, 360° coverage, and a very high target update rate for engaging low-flying, small, and fast targets.
The platform is based on a NATO-standards modified Mercedes-Benz “ZETROS” 6x6 from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, roughly 9.2 m long, 2.8 m wide and with up to approx. 27 tons total weight. The all-terrain truck features all-wheel drive (6×6), high tactical mobility and is typically powered by an inline six-cylinder diesel engine (approx. 7.2 L displacement, round about 375 to 476 hp depending on the exact variant).
The armament includes eight launch cells for the IRIS-T SLS missiles, which have a range of approximately 12 km and altitudes up to about 6 km, and are primarily designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones in close-range. In addition, up to 15 C-UAV “Cicada” loitering munitions can also be used, which can be specifically deployed from VLS behind the crew compartment, for countering drones and point targets.
The IRIS-T MK4 is also designed to be able to fire on the move, to provide ideal convoy defence for example.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
[PM or comment if a Link or Picture isn´t working]
Sources:
Links
Diehl Defence presents "all-in-one" solution for air defence: IRIS-T SLS MK4 | Diehl Defence
https://hardthoehenkurier.de/layered-air-defence/
ILA Berlin 2026: Diehl Defence stellt mobile Version IRIS-T SLS MK 4 vor
Wirken während der Fahrt – Diehl Defence zeigt Luftverteidigungssystem Iris-T SLS MK4
Giraffe 1X | Saab
Diehl Defence stellt Luftverteidigungssystem IRIS-T SLS MK 4 vor » Sicherheit & Verteidigung
Zetros | Mercedes-Benz Trucks International
