Egypt has bolstered its air defense capabilities by operationalizing the German-made IRIS-T air defense system. This upgrade was showcased during a recent military review of the 6th Division in Ismailia, where the Egyptian military displayed its IRIS-T SLM and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) systems in 2 Octobr 2024.
Acquisition and Delays
Egypt signed a contract to acquire a comprehensive set of IRIS-T systems, including seven batteries of the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system, six IRIS-T SLS short-range systems, and ten IRIS-T SLX long-range Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) system batteries. The first batch of these systems was delivered in mid-2021. However, subsequent deliveries faced delays in 2022 when Germany redirected a consignment of IRIS-T systems meant for Egypt to Ukraine, in response to the Russian invasion.
The procurement of the IRIS-T systems dates back to 2019, following Germany’s Bundestag Budget Committee’s approval of an export credit guarantee for six A-200 vessels. This credit guarantee, worth up to 2.3 billion euros, facilitated the frigate deal and paved the way for the air defense system purchase.
Enhanced Capabilities
The introduction of the IRIS-T air defense system is set to significantly enhance the Egyptian Air Defense Forces, providing a layered and integrated network capable of countering aerial threats across various ranges and altitudes. The IRIS-T SLM medium-range GBAD system has an effective range of 40 km, while the IRIS-T SLX long-range system can engage targets beyond 80 km at altitudes up to 30 km. The missiles are equipped with dual-mode seekers for improved target acquisition and engagement.
The IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched) is a mobile, medium-range surface-to-air guided missile developed by Diehl BGT Defence to meet the German Air Force’s future air defense needs. An advanced version of the IRIS-T air-to-air guided missile, it entered service in December 2005. These systems were supplied along with German-made HENSOLDT TRML-4D radar.
Historical Upgrades
Egypt’s commitment to upgrading its air defence capabilities has been ongoing for decades. In mid-2017, the country began receiving S-300VM/Antey-2500 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, the export version of the S-300 system. In 2020, the United States supplied Egypt with excess air defense units, including the Chaparral air defence system, providing parts to maintain these units along the nation’s borders.
Integration with Other Systems
The IRIS-T air defense system will operate in tandem with Egypt’s recently acquired French-made Thales Ground Master 400 (GM400) AESA air defense radars. These long-range, mobile 3D radar systems have a maximum range of up to 515 km. Additionally, in 2017, Egypt received the 59N6E Protivnik-GE 3D advanced early warning surveillance radar from Russia.