IRIS-T air defense systems get AI upgrade to shoot down ballistic missiles
Photo: IRIS-T air defense systems will be able to shoot down ballistics (Getty Images)
The IRIS-T air defense systems currently cannot intercept ballistic and hypersonic missiles. To expand the capabilities of the complexes, engineers plan to involve artificial intelligence, the Ukrainian analytical website Defense Express reports.
According to the developers Diehl Defence and Hensoldt, IRIS-T SLM will receive new software and AI-based solutions.
The integration of artificial intelligence is connected to the fact that "modern aerial attacks demonstrate significant complexity and diversity of means." Besides cruise missiles, supersonic and hypersonic missiles, and drones, ballistic missiles have "created new challenges for air defense."
However, despite the possible impression that the Germans will "teach" IRIS-T to work against ballistic and even hypersonic targets, the discussion concerns other difficulties related to these threats - namely, automating the system's folding and deployment to constantly change its position.
"We are working on fully automated processes and at least partially autonomous vehicles to be able to change positions as quickly as possible despite small crew numbers," Diehl Defence stated.
The first steps toward this ultimate goal include involving artificial intelligence in target detection in the TRML-4D radar and integrating data from various sensors into a unified network.
IRIS-T for Ukraine
Germany previously provided Ukraine with its IRIS-T air defense systems. They help effectively protect Ukrainian airspace during Russia's massive strikes.
For example, on June 7, the reports indicated that one IRIS-T battery shot down eight Russian missiles in just 30 seconds.
On May 28, Ukraine and Germany signed a contract for the production of IRIS-T systems and missiles for them. The total contract value is €2.2 billion.
As previously reported, Ukraine will receive new IRIS-T air defense systems from Germany soon. The delivery plan is scheduled for 3 years.
