Saudi F-15SA fighter armed with German IRIS-T missile appears for the first time
The IRIS-T missile is considered one of the most prominent modern short-range air combat systems. It was developed under the leadership of Germany and with the participation of a number of European countries to be an advanced alternative to the traditional AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. The missile relies on an advanced thermal imaging researcher capable of forming a complete picture of the target instead of just the thermal fingerprint, which gives it a higher ability to distinguish between real aircraft and deceptive thermal flares. It also features a range of up to about 25 kilometers, a speed exceeding Mach 3, in addition to a high-explosive warhead with guided fragments, with the ability to engage at wide angles exceeding 90 degrees outside the axis of the aircraft.
One of its most important strengths is its reliance on the vector propulsion system, which allows the missile to change its course sharply immediately after leaving the launch pad, giving it exceptional maneuvering ability in close combat against highly flexible targets. This also allows it to pursue enemy fighters at difficult angles, which makes it very suitable for rapid close combat scenarios. In addition, it is capable of operating in complex electronic jamming environments, with high resistance to countermeasures such as thermal flares, which increases the probability of hitting the target in realistic combat conditions.
Some modern versions of IRIS-T also provide the ability to lock after launch, which gives additional flexibility in engagements, especially when the target is outside the direct line of sight at the moment of launch. Integrated with modern aiming helmets, the pilot can direct the missile almost by looking at the target without having to direct the entire nose of the aircraft, which greatly shortens the engagement time and gives a clear advantage in close combat.
The missile targets various types of air targets, including fighters, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles.
