You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it! Germany’s Discreet Promotion of IRIS-T to Pakistan: Strategic Implications Amid India’s BrahMos Advancements - Indian Defence Research Wing
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SOURCE: AFI

Germany has reportedly been quietly marketing its IRIS-T air defense system to Pakistan, a move that carries significant strategic implications, particularly in the context of South Asian geopolitics. The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a short- to medium-range air defense system developed by Diehl Defence, known for its advanced infrared homing technology and high maneuverability.

According to reports from Ukraine, the IRIS-T has demonstrated notable success in intercepting Russia’s P-800 Oniks supersonic cruise missile, a weapon system that shares a technological lineage with India’s BrahMos missile. But interception rate of the P-800 is still in single digits that indicates that missile is still difficult to intercept. This development raises questions about the motivations behind Germany’s outreach to Pakistan and its potential impact on the India-Pakistan military balance.

The IRIS-T system has garnered attention for its performance in Ukraine, where it has been deployed to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. Ukrainian forces have reported that the IRIS-T launcher, equipped with eight guided anti-aircraft missiles, can be fully emptied in just 30 seconds, enabling rapid response to incoming threats. In one instance, this capability reportedly prevented damage to a critical infrastructure facility by neutralizing a barrage of Russian munitions, including the formidable Oniks supersonic cruise missile. The Oniks, known for its high speed and low-altitude flight profile, is a challenging target, making the IRIS-T’s success a testament to its advanced targeting and interception capabilities.

The IRIS-T’s ability to counter such threats has made it an attractive option for nations seeking robust air defense systems. Germany’s reported promotion of the IRIS-T to Pakistan, a country with a complex security dynamic vis-à-vis India, suggests a strategic intent to bolster Pakistan’s air defense capabilities, potentially altering the regional balance of power.

The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is a derivative of the P-800 Oniks, adapted to meet India’s specific operational requirements. The latest iteration, the BrahMos-Extended Range (ER) Land Attack Cruise Missile (LACM), boasts a range of 450 km, a significant improvement over its earlier 290 km range. This extended range enhances India’s ability to strike deep into enemy territory, making it a versatile weapon for both land-attack and anti-ship roles. The BrahMos-ER’s supersonic speed, precision, and dual-role capability make it a cornerstone of India’s offensive missile arsenal, particularly in the context of its rivalry with Pakistan.

Given the technological similarities between the Oniks and BrahMos, the IRIS-T’s proven effectiveness against the former raises concerns in India about the potential vulnerability of its missile systems. If Pakistan were to acquire the IRIS-T, it could enhance its ability to counter India’s BrahMos-ER, thereby complicating India’s strategic calculus in a potential conflict scenario.

Germany’s discreet promotion of the IRIS-T to Pakistan comes at a time of heightened tensions in South Asia. Pakistan, which has historically sought to counter India’s military advancements, may view the IRIS-T as a critical tool to neutralize India’s growing missile capabilities. The system’s ability to rapidly deploy and engage high-speed, low-flying targets like the BrahMos could provide Pakistan with a defensive edge, particularly in protecting key infrastructure and military assets.

However, Germany’s move also raises questions about its broader strategic objectives. As a major arms exporter, Germany may be seeking to expand its defense market in South Asia, where demand for advanced air defense systems is growing. Yet, this outreach risks straining Germany’s relations with India, a key economic and strategic partner. India, which has been diversifying its defense acquisitions to include systems from Europe, the U.S., and Israel, may view Germany’s engagement with Pakistan as a counterintuitive move, given the IRIS-T’s potential to undermine India’s offensive capabilities.

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