Cutting-Edge IRIS-T Missile Goes Missing

According to a report by Business Insider, Germany's armed forces, the Bundeswehr, has lost an Iris-T missile, raising serious concerns that vital technology could be at risk.

Key Features and Capabilities of the Iris-T Missile:

1. Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile: The Iris-T is a next-generation short-range air-to-air missile.
2. International Collaboration: The IRIS-T program is a multinational effort led by Germany, involving 6 nations: Germany, Greece, Norway, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
3. Diehl BGT Defence: a German defense company, serves as the industrial prime contractor.
4. Short-Range and Medium-Range Air Defense: The Iris-T is rated for both short-range and medium-range air defense.
5. Threat Neutralization: The IRIS-T SLM is designed to neutralize various enemy aerial systems, such as aircraft, cruise missiles, drones, and helicopters, at ranges up to 40 kilometers (25 miles).
6. Extreme Manoeuvrability: The Iris-T exhibits exceptional manoeuvrability, making it suitable for close-in air-to-air combat.
7. Advanced Technologies: Equipped with an innovative infrared seeker, thrust-vector control, and a dogfight-optimized motor, the Iris-T Missile can engage targets from point-blank range up to its maximum range.
8. Target Engagement Capabilities: The Iris-T can effectively engage targets behind the launching aircraft and can be used in lock-on before and after launch operations.

What is Cruise Missiles:

1. Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles propelled by jet engines, similar to airplanes.
2. They can be launched from various platforms, including ground, air, and sea.
3. Cruise missiles remain within the atmosphere during their flight and can fly as low as a few meters off the ground to avoid detection.

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