After being shaken by the BrahMos missile attacks during Operation Sindh, Pakistan is now striving to bolster its air defenses. According to sources, Pakistan plans to purchase the IRIS-T SLM air defense system from Germany to counter threats like India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Chinese air defense missile systems like the HQ9 and HQ16 have been ineffective against Indian missiles.
IRIS-T SLM's Performance
The German IRIS-T SLM has proven highly effective in Ukraine, where it reportedly shot down over 60 targets since last year. Originally ordered by Egypt, some units were sent to Ukraine, where they successfully countered Russian Oniks missiles.
Source: aajtak
System Details
Developed by Diehl Defence, this system is modular and compact, featuring radar, operations center, and launchers fitted onto a 20-foot frame. Each unit costs approximately $200 million. Pakistan is interested in this system as its Chinese HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems couldn't face the cruise missile threat.
Pakistan's Situation
In response to India's devastating attacks during Operation Sindh, Pakistan is attempting to enhance its air defense capabilities and repair missile-damaged airbases, despite the ongoing economic crisis. Its defense budget has been increased by 18% while domestic development projects worth 1,000 billion Pakistani Rupees have been canceled. Last month, Pakistan borrowed $1.8 billion from the IMF and ADB to tackle fiscal challenges.
Source: aajtak
Indo-German Collaboration
Along with developing the IRIS-T SLM, Diehl Defence is working with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems on India's Project 75I submarine program. This Indo-German collaboration involves developing an Interactive Defense and Attack System (IDAS) for six submarines, part of the Indian Navy’s 70,000 crore Rupees project.
