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First Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- First Post
After Operation Sindoor exposed Pakistan, why is Islamabad turning to German defence?
After India's Operation Sindoor exposed Pakistan's air defence gaps and Chinese weapons failed to deliver, Islamabad is now eyeing Germany's IRIS-T missile system to counter India's BrahMos. Despite economic distress, the country is prioritising defence upgrades. Why does Germany's system appeal to Pakistan? read more People walk past a cut-out of BrahMos missile as they arrive to attend the roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, India, May 26, 2025. File Image/Reuters In the aftermath of India's assertive military response, Pakistan is reassessing its air defence capabilities. Operation Sindoor, conducted from 7 to 10 May 2025, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missile in penetrating and crippling existing Pakistani air defence infrastructure. With India's supersonic precision-strike capabilities now proven in operational settings, Pakistan has turned its attention to advanced Western systems — particularly Germany's IRIS-T SLM — hoping to neutralise future threats from weapons like the BrahMos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BrahMos not only exposed the vulnerabilities in Pakistan's Comprehensive Layered Integrated Air Defence (CLIAD), but also left 11 out of 13 of Pakistan's Air Force bases compromised. The missile, with speeds reaching up to Mach 3 and a range between 450 to 800 km, overwhelmed Pakistan's Chinese-supplied HQ-9B and HQ-16 missile defence systems. The accuracy and velocity of BrahMos, combined with its stealth and low radar cross-section, made it a particularly difficult target. In this context, Islamabad is now reportedly evaluating two advanced air defence options — the German-developed IRIS-T and the Italian CAMM-ER. However, Pakistan is showing a clear tilt towards the IRIS-T system, manufactured by Diehl Defence, which has seen operational success in Ukraine against Russian cruise missiles. Why does Pakistan want Germany's IRIS-T? The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System – Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled), particularly its surface-launched medium-range version IRIS-T SLM, has garnered attention for its ability to tackle fast-moving cruise missiles and drones. The SLM variant offers a maximum engagement range of 40 km and can target threats up to 20 km in altitude. Reports from the Ukrainian frontlines suggest that the system successfully intercepted over 60 aerial targets — including missiles similar to India's BrahMos — since its deployment began in October 2022. Originally designed for Egypt, the IRIS-T SLM batteries were partly redirected to Ukraine during the ongoing conflict, where they have been used to counter Russian P-800 Oniks missiles — an earlier technological sibling of the BrahMos. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukrainian officials revealed that in one engagement, the IRIS-T system intercepted eight Russian cruise missiles in just 30 seconds, safeguarding critical infrastructure from damage. According to the Indian Defence Research Wing, the Oniks, like the BrahMos, flies at low altitudes at high speeds, making it a difficult target. Though the interception rate of the Oniks remains in single digits, the IRIS-T's relative success has reportedly impressed Pakistani military planners. Each IRIS-T SLM unit comprises a radar, command and control centre, and a set of launchers, all mounted on compact frames for swift deployment. The entire system is modular and transportable, enhancing battlefield flexibility. At an estimated cost of €178–200 million per battery, the system is expensive, but its proven performance and adaptability make it appealing to Islamabad, which is racing to upgrade its defences despite significant economic pressures. Can Pakistan afford German defence? Despite being in the midst of a fiscal crisis, Pakistan has sharply raised its defence expenditure. This year, the defence budget was increased by almost 20 per cent, even as development projects worth 1,000 billion Pakistani rupees were shelved. In the same time frame, Islamabad secured nearly $1.8 billion in financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Criticism has followed. New Delhi raised objections to Islamabad's rising military spending while continuing to receive international loans, pointing out that 'the loan amount would be used for terror financing rather than their intended use for development.' One complicating factor is Diehl Defence's existing collaboration with India. The company, along with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, is involved in supplying the Interactive Defence and Attack System (IDAS) for India's Rs 70,000 crore Project 75I submarine initiative. If Germany chooses to proceed with arms sales to Pakistan, it could trigger diplomatic friction with New Delhi, which may view it as undermining India's strategic edge. Nevertheless, Germany and Pakistan have a history of defence and economic cooperation. The 2011 Pak-Germany Strategic Dialogue and a bilateral trade volume of €3.3 billion in 2023 form the backdrop for discreet German outreach to Islamabad through the European Security and Stability Initiative (ESSI). Why is Islamabad leaning towards Germany? While Italy's CAMM-ER system, developed by MBDA, is also under consideration by Pakistan, it appears to fall short in key operational parameters when compared to the IRIS-T. The CAMM-ER has a maximum range of 45 km and is designed to engage aircraft and cruise missiles at altitudes up to 20 km. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It uses a 'fire-and-forget' guidance system with a two-way datalink for mid-course correction, making it robust against electronic jamming. According to Resonant News, Its vertical launch capability reduces thermal signatures, offering a level of survivability. However, the CAMM-ER's interception capabilities may be insufficient against the BrahMos's supersonic speed and sea-skimming trajectory. While more affordable and compatible with Nato-standard systems, the Italian system has not undergone the same level of combat testing as the IRIS-T, particularly against missiles sharing the BrahMos' performance envelope. Moreover, geopolitical alignment plays a role. Italy's close ties with Nato and a stronger relationship with India could complicate any direct sale of CAMM-ER systems to Pakistan. In contrast, Germany's strategic balancing and economic focus are seen as more conducive to defence dealings with Islamabad. There are also reports that Pakistan might explore options to locally produce or assemble the IRIS-T system, which could alleviate stockpile concerns and potentially lower long-term costs. Why does Pakistan think it is a necessary move? For Pakistan, acquiring a robust, modular, and combat-proven system like the IRIS-T is not just about replacing obsolete defences — it's about restoring deterrence in the face of India's growing missile capabilities. India's deployment of the BrahMos Extended-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (BrahMos-ER LACM) has significantly altered the regional power dynamic. With a range now extended to 450 km and beyond, and with pinpoint accuracy of under one metre, the BrahMos has emerged as a cornerstone of India's offensive capability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indian Army's Brahmos missile system showcased at New Delhi, India. File Image/AFP Pakistan's military establishment sees the IRIS-T SLM as one of the few systems capable of responding to this threat. Its infrared seeker and thrust-vector control allow for agile interceptions of fast, evasive threats. Its multi-layered variants (SLS, SLM, SLX) offer integration options with Pakistan's Chinese and Western air defence components, giving Islamabad the flexibility it seeks. However, acquisition comes with both strategic and financial risks. Each system would only cover a limited area, necessitating multiple deployments to safeguard key military and civilian infrastructure. Even if deployed, the IRIS-T's 40 km range would still require supplementary systems — such as the longer-range HQ-9B — to offer a more comprehensive shield. And yet, in the current post-Sindoor landscape, it appears that Pakistan is prioritising its defence over its growing economic crisis. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
India Today
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Crippled by Op Sindoor strikes, Pak eyeing Germany for air defence upgrades
Rattled by the devastating impact of BrahMos missile strikes during India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is now exploring the procurement of a new air defence system to counter future to sources, Islamabad is actively considering the purchase of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system from Germany in a bid to strengthen its aerial shield against India's supersonic cruise missiles, particularly the move comes after Pakistan's existing Chinese-origin air defence systems, including the HQ-9 and HQ-16, failed to detect or intercept Indian missile attacks during the operation. In contrast, the IRIS-T SLM system has demonstrated significant effectiveness in recent combat situations. In Ukraine, where several units were redirected from Egypt due to the ongoing war, the German-made system has reportedly shot down over 60 aerial targets since its deployment last it was said to have successfully intercepted Russian Oniks missiles, which are similar in profile to India's by Diehl Defence, the IRIS-T SLM is known for its modular and compact architecture. Each unit, estimated to cost around USD 200 million, includes radar, an operations centre, and launchers, all mounted on a 20-foot interest in the system highlights its urgent push to rebuild and upgrade its air defence network, particularly after key air bases were damaged by Indian missiles during Operation grappling with a severe economic crisis, Pakistan has raised its defence budget by 18 per cent this year while simultaneously scrapping domestic development projects valued at 1,000 billion Pakistani the past month, the country has secured financial assistance totalling USD 1.8 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to address its fiscal Germany's Diehl Defence, the maker of the IRIS-T SLM, is also involved in a major Indian defence initiative. The company is collaborating with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems on Project 75I, a Rs 70,000 crore programme to build six submarines for the Indian Indian-German collaboration also includes the development of the Interactive Defence and Attack System (IDAS), which will be integrated into the India's Reliance Defence has announced a partnership to manufacture Vulcano 155mm precision-guided artillery shells domestically. The initiative is expected to generate revenues of approximately Rs 10,000 crore, with over 50 per cent of the components to be produced indigenously.
NDTV
11-06-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Pakistan, Troubled By Thoughts Of A Deterrent For BrahMos, Looks Beyond China
New Delhi: Ever since India's precision strikes first destroyed its terror infrastructure and later its air bases and military installations during Operation Sindoor, one question has kept Pakistan worried and puzzled at the same time - How to defend itself against India's BrahMos missile? Though India has not officially stated the use of the BrahMos during Op Sindoor, Pakistan's prime minister Shehbaz Sharif had publicly admitted to its airbases being hit by the supersonic cruise missile. LOOKING BEYOND CHINA Disappointed with the Chinese air defence systems - HQ-9 and HQ-16 - which failed to stop India's drone and missile strikes, and was totally ineffective against the BrahMos, as claimed by Pakistan itself, Islamabad is now looking beyond China to find a worthwhile solution. Pakistan is reportedly exploring a possibility of acquiring a German-made advanced air defence system which has proven to be effective in Ukraine against a Russian cruise missile similar to that of the Brahmos. GERMAN ENGINEERING Last month Ukraine claimed that the recently-inducted German air defence system - IRIS-T SLM - had successfully shot down 60 incoming missiles over the last one year. Developed by Germany's Diehl Defence, the air defence system performed well against the Russian P-800 Oniks missile, considered somewhat similar to India's BrahMos. IRIS-T SLM, which stands for Infrared Imaging System - Tail/Thrust Vector Controlled - Surface-Launched Missile, is a medium-range air defence system. First developed in 1990, the system has been upgraded several times. It includes a radar, an operation centre, and multiple launchers. According to news agency Reuters, in 2023, Germany purchased six IRIS-T air defence systems for its air force at a total cost of some 900 million euros ($971.73 million). It has a range of approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) and a 360 degree view. INDO-GERMAN DEFENCE TIES According to a report in the Economic Times, Pakistan's plans skip Chinese air defence systems and instead purchase them from Germany, comes at a time when the company that manufactures the IRIS-T - Diehl Defence - has partnered with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, that is engaged in defence projects in India. Together, Diehl and Thyssenkrupp are working to supply Interactive Defence and Attack Systems or IDAS for six Indian Navy submarines being made in India under the Rs. 70,000 crore Project 75I. Moreover, as per the Economic Times, India's Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Diehl Defence. Together they will manufacture the precision-guided munition system Vulcano 155mm - and advanced, long-range artillery shell, in India. This might make it difficult for Pakistan to deal with the German firm. MISPLACED PRIORITIES? Despite its economy tanking and nearly 45 per cent of its citizens now below the poverty line and 16 per cent living in extreme poverty, Pakistan, in its annual budget today upped its defence spending significantly while lowering spending on nearly everything else. However, in the last month alone, cash-strapped Pakistan has managed to secure a billion-dollar loan from the IMF and another $800 million from the Asian Development Bank or ADB. Additionally, Pakistan's budget saw a whopping 20 per cent hike in defence spending, while the overall expenditure has been slashed by 7 per cent. Some reports suggest that Pakistan's government has scrapped development projects worth nearly 1,000 billion Pakistani Rupees.
Economic Times
11-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Pakistan eyeing German missile shield used in Ukraine after BrahMos proves too fast for Chinese systems: Report
Pakistan is considering acquiring the German IRIS-T SLM air defense system to counter supersonic cruise missiles like India's BrahMos, which have proven effective against its existing Chinese systems. Despite facing economic challenges and securing international loans, Pakistan has increased its defense budget, raising concerns from India about the allocation of funds. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads IRIS-T SLM shows effectiveness against supersonic cruise missiles Feature IRIS-T S-400 BrahMos Type Defensive Defensive Offensive Origin Germany Russia India- Russia Role Point area & Defence Long-range air defence High-speed precision strike Max. Range ~40 km ~400 km ~400 km (latest variants) Speed of Target Handling Supersonic missiles Hypersonic threats Supersonic (Mach 3) In service with Germany, Ukraine Russia, India, China India (Army, Navy, Air Force) Designed to defeat Cruise missiles, drones Missiles, aircraft Ground/naval targets Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Pakistan's defence upgrade comes amid financial troubles India objects to international loans given to Pakistan German defence ties span both sides of the subcontinent Reliance enters into a partnership with the German firm Pakistan is reportedly exploring the option of acquiring an advanced air defence system from a German company to counter supersonic cruise missiles , such as India's BrahMos , which have proven highly effective against Pakistan's existing Chinese-made HQ-16 and HQ-9 systems. According to media reports, the system has already been inducted into the Ukrainian armed forces. Last month, Ukraine claimed that the advanced air defence system successfully shot down over 60 targets since its initial deployment last IRIS-T SLM system, developed by Diehl Defence , has reportedly been very successful in Ukraine, particularly against Russian P-800 Oniks missiles that are similar in performance to the BrahMos. The system was originally meant for Egypt, which had signed a deal for ten batteries, but some of the units were redirected to Ukraine during the ongoing in 1990, the IRIS-T SLM has undergone multiple upgrades. It includes a radar, an operations centre, and multiple launchers—each mounted on a compact 20-foot frame. This modular design allows for easier deployment. The cost of one complete unit is estimated at around $200 interest in the system comes at a time when its existing air defence systems have failed to counter threats like the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile . The country is facing severe economic challenges and has repeatedly sought help from global financial institutions. In the last month alone, Pakistan secured an $800 million loan from the Asian Development Bank and a $1 billion loan from the International Monetary its fiscal crisis, the Pakistani government cancelled development projects worth 1,000 billion Pakistani rupees but raised the defence budget by 18%, according to a report by India has raised objections against Pakistan receiving billions in loans from multi-lateral agencies like ADB and IMF. It has claimed, 'the loan amount would be used for terror financing rather than their intended use for development.'While Pakistan is exploring a deal for IRIS-T SLM from Germany, Diehl Defence is also a partner of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that is working on an Indian defence project. The two companies are working together to supply an Interactive Defence and Attack System (IDAS) for six submarines being developed under India's Rs 70,000 crore Project 75I for the Indian Defence, subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure announced on Wednesday that the company has entered in a partnership which could generate around Rs. 10,000 crores in revenue. The deal is to manufacture Vulcano 155mm artillery shell that is used for long range precision strikes. It would help give the Indian Army a boost in the conducting precision strikes. The company will manufacture atleast 50% of the system in India.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pakistan eyeing German missile shield used in Ukraine after BrahMos proves too fast for Chinese systems: Report
Pakistan is reportedly exploring the option of acquiring an advanced air defence system from a German company to counter supersonic cruise missiles , such as India's BrahMos , which have proven highly effective against Pakistan's existing Chinese-made HQ-16 and HQ-9 systems. According to media reports, the system has already been inducted into the Ukrainian armed forces. Last month, Ukraine claimed that the advanced air defence system successfully shot down over 60 targets since its initial deployment last year.. IRIS-T SLM shows effectiveness against supersonic cruise missiles The IRIS-T SLM system, developed by Diehl Defence , has reportedly been very successful in Ukraine, particularly against Russian P-800 Oniks missiles that are similar in performance to the BrahMos. The system was originally meant for Egypt, which had signed a deal for ten batteries, but some of the units were redirected to Ukraine during the ongoing war. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Windows Users Don't Forget To Do This Before Wednesday Read More Undo Introduced in 1990, the IRIS-T SLM has undergone multiple upgrades. It includes a radar, an operations centre, and multiple launchers—each mounted on a compact 20-foot frame. This modular design allows for easier deployment. The cost of one complete unit is estimated at around $200 million. Feature IRIS-T S-400 BrahMos Type Defensive Defensive Offensive Origin Germany Russia India- Russia Role Point area & Defence Long-range air defence High-speed precision strike Max. Range ~40 km ~400 km ~400 km (latest variants) Speed of Target Handling Supersonic missiles Hypersonic threats Supersonic (Mach 3) In service with Germany, Ukraine Russia, India, China India (Army, Navy, Air Force) Designed to defeat Cruise missiles, drones Missiles, aircraft Ground/naval targets Pakistan's defence upgrade comes amid financial troubles Pakistan's interest in the system comes at a time when its existing air defence systems have failed to counter threats like the Indo-Russian BrahMos missile . The country is facing severe economic challenges and has repeatedly sought help from global financial institutions. In the last month alone, Pakistan secured an $800 million loan from the Asian Development Bank and a $1 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. Live Events Despite its fiscal crisis, the Pakistani government cancelled development projects worth 1,000 billion Pakistani rupees but raised the defence budget by 18%, according to a report by India Today. India objects to defence spending amid international loans India has raised objections to the increase in Pakistan's defence budget while receiving loans from global agencies. It has claimed, 'the loan amount would be used for terror financing rather than their intended use for development.' German defence ties span both sides of the subcontinent While Pakistan is exploring a deal for IRIS-T SLM from Germany, Diehl Defence is also a partner of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems that is working on an Indian defence project. The two companies are working together to supply an Interactive Defence and Attack System (IDAS) for six submarines being developed under India's Rs 70,000 crore Project 75I for the Indian Navy.
