South African Air Force Unveils New IRIS-T Missile

• The newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile was shown to the public for the first time at the South African Air Force's 90th anniversary parade held at AFB Swartkop, Pretoria

(March 10, 2010) -- In 2008 the SAAF selected the IRIS-T as an interim short range air-to-air missile. It will ultimately be replaced by the indigenously designed and produced A-Darter, which is still under development.

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAF, said: "This missile is the state of the art high kill probability short range air missile with unrivalled performance capabilities which, when coupled to a helmet mounted display can engage air threats in the rear quarter of the aircraft as is the case with the SAAF Gripens".

South Africa has ordered 26 Gripen state-of-the-art fighters which are modernising the SAAF's fast jet fleet and capability. It currently operates nine dual seat Gripen D aircraft and will soon receive its first of 17 single-seat Gripen C fighters.

Source : Gripen International