* Germany launched the IRIS-T SLX air defense missile system
Diehl Defense, a leading defense company headquartered in Germany, recently revealed the development of the latest advanced version of the IRIS-T air defense missile system, named IRIS-T SLX.
The IRIS-T SLX air defense missile system has a maximum range of 80km. Photo: Diehl Defense
The highlight of this upgrade is that the IRIS-T SLX has outstanding operational capabilities, with a maximum firing range of 80km and a target interception ceiling at an altitude of up to 30km, showing a significant improvement, doubling Double the operating range and increase altitude coverage by 50% compared to its predecessor IRIS-T SLM.
The IRIS-T SLX air defense system is the result of Diehl Defense’s cooperation with Hensoldt Group and Airbus. This innovation aims to increase response and warning times, while significantly improving the coverage against airborne threats.
Another highlight of IRIS-T SLX is that the system has a 360-degree protection range, ensuring comprehensive defense against threats from all directions. IRIS-T SLX’s search navigation system is integrated with infrared radar, helping to maximize the ability to directly attack incoming threats. Furthermore, this system is also capable of countering enemy electronic warfare measures, ensuring effectiveness in many combat situations.
With the ability to engage multiple targets with high precision and significant improvements in range and altitude, the IRIS-T SLX represents a major step forward in missile technology, setting a new standard for missile systems. ground-based air defense system.
* Russia destroyed Ukraine’s M1150 engineering vehicle
According to information shared on Russian social networks on February 23, Russian soldiers from the 21st Mechanized Infantry Brigade recently destroyed a Ukrainian M1150 ABV engineering vehicle near Stepove.
Image of a Ukrainian M1150 ABV being shot down by Russian soldiers near Stepove. Photo: Russian media and US DoD
This is the vehicle known as the “mobile blockhouse” that the US provided to Ukraine and is also the first M1150 to be destroyed in Ukraine. The published video shows the M1150 being abandoned on the battlefield by the Ukrainian crew. Russian tanks then fired at the M1150, trying to prevent Ukraine from towing the vehicle back for repairs.
The M1150 ABV is a US Army engineering vehicle that specializes in clearing mines, explosive devices and blocking obstacles. This vehicle uses the body of the M1 Abrams tank, a British mine plow attachment and an explosive launcher to clear mines. In addition, the M1150 is also equipped with a line marking system (LMS) to mark cleared areas and an integrated observation system.
The M1150 ABV has a standard explosive range of about 100-150m. After detonation, the explosive will clear mines within the operating range, creating a safe path 8-14m wide and 100m long, enough for infantry and other vehicles to pass through.
For self-defense, the M1150 ABV is equipped with a 12.7mm M2 HB machine gun and grenade launcher, helping to protect the crew and increase the vehicle’s survivability while maintaining sufficient speed and maneuverability. Equipped with a Honeywell AGT 1500 engine with 1,500 horsepower, the M1150 can reach a maximum speed of 72km/h on the road and a cruise speed of 48km/h.
