German Air Force certifies IRIS-T SLM system after live firing at NATO range in Crete

The German Air Force completed operational certification of its IRIS-T SLM air-defense system with a live firing at NATO's NAMFI range on Crete in mid-October 2026. Air Defence Missile Group 61 conducted the engagement after training on the integrated TRML-4D radar, Common Tactical Operations Center, launcher and interceptor. Following certification, the system participated in a combined tactical exercise alongside German and Swedish Patriot units and Stinger-based LeFlaSys short-range defenses. The milestone follows Germany's first system delivery in September 2024 and qualifies the German crewed configuration for coordinated ground-based air-defense operations.