With precise technology, the Navy demonstrated the Maritime Firing Exercise, short MFE, in Andøya, Norway, in 2025. One Highlight: the frigate “Baden-Württemberg”, which for the first time was equipped with the launcher system IRIS-T SLM. Three live shots showed how well the integration on the naval platform was successful.
During the testing of the normally land-based anti-aircraft missile system at night and on the high seas, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (Bundeswehr) Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support, together with the company Diehl Defense is in charge. During the firing exercise, the frigate’s on-board radar systems continuously provided data that was transmitted directly to the Software of the missile system. This created an initial functional connection between ship sensors and weapon systems – an important technological milestone. The results were impressive: All three rockets were fired according to plan.
Now the evaluation begins. Experts from the Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support analyze the data obtained to determine possible adjustments for later series procurement. It is not yet possible to quantify how large the order volume could be in the end. But it is already true that the test marks a decisive step on the way to a more flexible and modern air defense of the Navy.
The initiative for the integration of the IRIS-TSLM system came directly from the Navy. The EUNAVFOR Aspides The experience gained with the use of airborne maritime surveillance had led to the idea of testing effective air defense on naval ships. There, the frigate “Hessen” had supported the operation, which is about protecting the sea lanes in the Red Sea.
The close cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support made it possible to complete the project IRIS-T SLM, Surface-Launched Medium Range on a frigate in record time: Only eight months after the decision, the contract with the manufacturer Diehl was in place Defence. Subsequently, the frigate “Baden-Württemberg” was made ready for test use. From the original idea to the implementation and successful test at the Maritime Firing Exercise off the coast of Norway, a total of only ten months passed – a test at high speed.
With the successful test in Andøya, the Navy has not only opened a new chapter in the integration of modern weapon systems at sea. This also makes it clear how closely technology, testing and procurement must interact to ensure defence capability at the highest level.
For a few more days, the ships will cruise in the waters off Norway and practice their shooting skills far away from civilian shipping. With the conclusion of the MFE in 2025, the Navy will show that it is prepared for national and collective defense and can apply its capabilities at any time.