Latest news with #IRIS-TSLM
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
German army must use new funds responsibly, auditors say
FILE PHOTO: Soldiers stand next to the IRIS-T SLM air defence system at the German army Bundeswehr barracks Todendorf in Panker, Germany September 4, 2024. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo German army must use new funds responsibly, auditors say BERLIN - The German army must undergo significant organisational and personnel reforms to effectively utilise increased defence spending, the country's federal audit institute said on Tuesday in a special report. In March, Germany's parliament approved plans for a massive spending surge, largely removing defence investment from the rules that cap borrowing. The Bundesrechnungshof report highlights that despite relaxed debt rules, the Bundeswehr must prioritise its core mission of national and alliance defence while reducing administrative processes. "'Whatever it takes' must not become 'money doesn't matter!'" said Kay Scheller, president of the institute, emphasising the need for responsible financial management and increased efficiency in defence spending. Key recommendations include a thorough review of tasks, prioritisation of defense-critical duties, and restructuring the Bundeswehr to focus on "more troops, less administration." The Bundesrechnungshof recommends careful justification of financial needs, conducting efficiency analyses, as well as maintaining a balance between time, cost and quality. "It is crucial that these funds are used responsibly to significantly increase the effectiveness of defence spending," Scheller said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Switzerland to buy 4 or 5 IRIS-T air-defense systems from Diehl
PARIS — Switzerland plans to buy four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air-defense systems from Germany's Diehl Defence, with negotiations in an advanced phase, the country's defense procurement office, Armasuisse, said on Friday. The federal office expects to sign the contract for the ground-to-air missile batteries in the third quarter of 2025, with procurement taking place as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, Armasuisse said in a statement. Swiss lawmakers last year approved a credit guarantee of 660 million Swiss francs ($809 million) for medium-range air defense in the 2024 armament program. Switzerland joins countries across Europe rushing to bolster their air defenses, as Russia's daily missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities have raised awareness of the need to protect civilian and military targets against aerial threats. 'The future ground-based air defense will contribute to the impact of maintaining air sovereignty and air defense as well as protecting against attacks with long-range weapons,' Armasuisse said. The system will be part of Switzerland's integrated air defense, the office said. Armasuisse tested Hensoldt's TRML-4D radar for the new medium-range air-defense system between March 31 and April 11, taking a further step in the procurement process, the office said. The properties of the radar were tested together with Diehl and Hensoldt in the specific Swiss topography, with the radar used to detect aircraft including the PC-12, F/A-18 and helicopters, Armasuisse said. Switzerland is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe, with mountains covering 70% of the territory and around a quarter of the surface area made up of peaks over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) above sea level. The tests also investigated the frequency compatibility with civilian systems such as weather radar. The country in October joined the European Sky Shield Initiative as the program's 15th member, with an initial focus on medium-range air defense, while saying it expected opportunities for cooperation on shorter and longer-range defenses in the future. Other IRIS-T SLM users include Germany and Ukraine, while Latvia ordered the system in November 2023 and Slovenia and Bulgaria placed orders last year. A system typically includes a fire-control unit, a radar unit and multiple missile launchers. 'The renewal will close an existing gap in capability in the defense of stand-off weapons, to combat approaching targets at a medium distance and thus expand long-range ground-based air defense with the Patriot system,' Armasuisse said. 'Systems currently in use will soon reach the end of their useful life.' Separately, Diehl said it signed a partnership agreement with Denmark's MDSI to expand the payload integration of IRIS-T short-range missiles on fighter aircraft. The missile is included in the standard armament of the Eurofighter and Saab's Gripen, and can also be used on the F-16, Tornado, EF-18, KF-21 and F-5E, according to Diehl. 'By partnering with MDSI, we're enabling air forces to leverage the full potential of our missile system across platforms previously deemed as of limited compatibility,' said Martin Walzer, senior manager for integration programs at Diehl.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Germany donates Gepard anti-aircraft systems, Vector drones and ammunition to Ukraine
Germany updated its list of military assistance to Ukraine on Monday 17 March, which included, among other things, Gepard anti-aircraft systems and drones. Source: European Pravda with reference to the updated list Details: The updated list of military aid from Germany to Ukraine includes 24 mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAP), ammunition for the Leopard 1 main battle tanks and ammunition for infantry fighting vehicles, including for the MARDER infantry fighting vehicles. Ukraine also received three Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems and 10,000 rounds of ammunition for Gepard (the Gepard's ammunition load consists of 640 rounds). Germany provided Ukraine with missiles for the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence system, 5,000 rounds of 155mm ammunition, 2,000 rounds of 122mm ammunition and 8,000 rounds for the 120mm mortar. Ukraine's defence forces also received drones, including 50 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts. Additionally, Germany donated 30 tracked Gereon RCS drones and 30 drone detection systems. Furthermore, Ukraine received two WISENT 1 armoured mine-clearing vehicles, 100 portable mine-clearing systems and two mine ploughs, as well as laser rangefinders, infrared binoculars, vehicles, assault rifles and medical kits. Background: On 17 February, the German government updated the list of military assistance to Ukraine, announcing the provision of new equipment, drones and ammunition for various systems. On 14 March, it was reported that an agreement among key political parties in Germany regarding a large funding package could pave the way for additional military aid to Ukraine. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ukraine signs memorandum with IRIS-T manufacturer, supply will triple
Ukraine has signed a memorandum with Diehl Defence, the German manufacturer of the IRIS-T system, which provides for a threefold increase in the supply of missiles and air defence systems. Source: Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umierov on Facebook Quote: "We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of the IRIS-T system, which is a crucial part of Ukraine's air defence shield. Protecting Ukraine's skies and cities is our priority. The signed agreement paves the way for major industrial projects that will enhance the capabilities of our air defence. The memorandum also provides for a threefold increase in the supply of missiles and air defence systems." Background: In early September 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany had ordered a total of 17 IRIS-T air defence systems for Ukraine, including eight medium-range (SLM) and nine short-range (SLS) systems. On 20 December, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had received its sixth IRIS-T SLM air defence system from Germany. At the end of December 2024, Germany delivered a large aid package to Ukraine, including IRIS-T and Patriot systems. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
