German IRIS-T
This action carries noteworthy strategic consequences, especially when considering the geopolitics of South Asia. Diehl Defence created the IRIS-T, which is a short- to medium-range air defense system known for its ability to move quickly and use advanced infrared technology to locate targets.
The IRIS-T has exhibited significant success in intercepting Russia’s P-800 Oniks supersonic cruise missile, a weapon system that is technologically related to India’s BrahMos missile, according to reports from Ukraine.
However, the P-800’s interception rate stays in the single digits, indicating that the missile continues to be difficult to intercept.
This development prompts enquiries regarding Germany’s motivations for engaging with Pakistan and its potential influence on the military balance between India and Pakistan.
Ukraine has implemented the IRIS-T system to counter Russian missile and drone attacks, attracting attention for its effectiveness.
Swift Response
The IRIS-T launcher, which is equipped with eight guided anti-aircraft missiles, has been reported by Ukrainian forces to be capable of being fully emptied in a mere 30 seconds. This capability allows for a swift response to incoming threats.
Italian CAMM-ER vs German IRIS-T
| Feature | CAMM‑ER | IRIS‑T |
|---|---|---|
| Range | ~45 km | ~40 km (SLM) |
| Seeker | Radar + datalink | Imaging infrared |
| Maneuverability | Moderate | High (via thrust-vector) |
| Combat Record | Established in Europe | Proven in Ukraine |
| Interoperability | NATO-standard | NATO-standard and more |
| Cost | Lower cost | Higher unit expense |
IRIS-T’s capacity to mitigate such threats has made it an appealing alternative for nations that are in search of effective air defense systems.
Germany’s reported promotion of IRIS-T in Pakistan suggests a strategic intention to enhance Pakistan’s air defense capabilities, which could potentially disrupt the regional balance of power.
Land Attack Cruise Missile
The Brah-Mos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is a modified version of the P-800 Onik that has been customised to satisfy India’s operational needs.
The BrahMos-Extended Range (ER) Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) is the most recent iteration, and it has a range of 450 km, which is a substantial increase from its previous range of 290 km. India can use this versatile weapon for both land attack and anti-ship roles, thanks to its extended striking range.
The BrahMos-ER is a critical component of India’s offensive missile arsenal, particularly in the context of its rivalry with Pakistan, due to its dual-role capability, precision, and supersonic speed.
India is concerned about the potential vulnerability of its missile systems due to the IRIS-T’s proven effectiveness against the Oniks, which shares technological similarities with the BrahMos.
India’s strategic calculus in a potential conflict scenario could be complicated if Pakistan were to acquire the IRIS-T, which would enhance its capacity to counter India’s BrahMos-ER.
BrahMos
During a period of elevated tensions in South Asia, Germany has discreetly promoted the IRIS-T missile system to Pakistan. Historically, Pakistan has attempted to counter India’s military advancements. Pakistan may perceive IRIS-T as a critical tool for neutralising India’s expanding missile capabilities.
The system’s capacity to rapidly deploy and engage low-flying, high-speed targets such as the BrahMos could offer Pakistan a defensive advantage, particularly in the protection of critical infrastructure and military assets.
Besides Germany’s IRIS-T, Pakistan is also buying China’s HQ-19 anti-ballistic missile defense system. Additionally, Turkey’s long-range Siper system will join Pakistan’s growing air defense network.
Should the IRIS-T deal unexpectedly collapse, Pakistan has a contingency plan in place. In that case, it will likely acquire Italy’s CAMM-ER, which shares features with the German system. This layered approach helps Pakistan counter various threats, from aircraft to cruise and ballistic missiles.
M Moreover, the IRIS-T systems target both supersonic and subsonic projectiles, providing flexible protection. Pakistan clearly aims to build a robust, multi-layered defense shield in today’s high-threat environment.
Conclusion
Nevertheless, Germany’s action also prompts enquiries regarding its overarching strategic objectives. Germany, a significant arms exporter, may be attempting to expand its defense market in South Asia, where there is increasing demand for advanced air defense systems.
However, this outreach poses a threat to Germany’s relationship with India, which is a critical economic and strategic partner. India may perceive Germany’s engagement with Pakistan as counterintuitive, given its own expanding defense ties with the U.S., Europe, and Israel. Such attention is due to the IRIS-T’s potential to erode India’s offensive capabilities.
References
- Diehl Defence – IRIS-T System
- Ukraine Claims IRIS-T Intercepts Oniks Missiles
- India-Russia BrahMos Missile Collaboration
- Germany’s Arms Export Policy – SIPRI
- Pakistan’s Missile Defence Acquisitions
- India Expands BrahMos Capabilities
- Turkey’s Siper Long-Range Air Defence System
- Italy’s CAMM-ER Air Defence Missile
- Germany-Pakistan Deal Reveals Western Double Standards – Zee News
- Germany’s Discreet Promotion of IRIS-T to Pakistan – IDRW
- Pakistan’s Pursuit of CAMM-ER and IRIS-T – Resonant News
- Defence Alerts on IRIS-T Deal – X (Twitter)
