German defence manufacturer Diehl Defence is developing a long-range variant of its IRIS-T air-defence system that could help ease reliance on the US-made Patriot missile system, whose interceptors are in short supply due to soaring global demand.Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch said the IRIS-T SLX will complement, not replace, existing systems and help address shortages of Patriot interceptors.Shortages of Patriot interceptors emerged as a major problem after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Demand surged as Ukraine defended against missile and drone attacks, and European NATO members stepped up investments in air and missile defence. Conflicts in the Middle East have further increased demand, stretching production capacity.The IRIS-T SLX is the next-generation member of Diehl’s IRIS-T ground-based family and is being developed with longer-range capability than the current IRIS-T SLM. Rauch said global demand for IRIS-T continues to grow: 21 countries have ordered the system, with recent customers including Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark. He also said Gulf states have shown increased interest following recent regional hostilities.What is IRIS-T SLXDiehl describes the IRIS-T SLX as the latest and longest-range variant of its surface-launched IRIS-T missiles. It can be integrated into existing IRIS-T SLM launchers, enabling mixed loads of SLM and SLX interceptors on the same launcher.Key claimed performance figures include a maximum engagement range of up to 80 kilometres and an interception altitude of up to 30 kilometres roughly double the range of the current SLM. The SLX uses an imaging infrared seeker and nearly smokeless propulsion for accurate engagements with a reduced visual signature. It is intended to intercept fighter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, drones and other airborne threats.A fire unit comprises a launcher, radar and a Common Tactical Operations Center (CTOC). The launcher, mounted in a 20-foot ISO frame, can be deployed up to 20 kilometres from the CTOC and reportedly can engage multiple threats simultaneously with up to eight missiles while providing 360-degree coverage.The system pairs with the Hensoldt TRML-4D 3D AESA C-band radar, which offers 360-degree surveillance with a detection range up to 250 kilometres, Track-While-Scan capability, RAM (rockets, artillery and mortar) detection, and integrated IFF.The IRIS-T SLX development reflects Europe’s broader push to strengthen indigenous air-defence capabilities amid growing security challenges and shortages of US-made Patriot interceptors. With demand driven by the war in Ukraine and rising Middle East tensions, Diehl is positioning the IRIS-T family as a core element of layered air-defence for NATO and international customers.