Program Briefing IRIS-T (IR Imaging Sidewinder-replacement with Tail-control) is a German short-range air-to-air missile that was developed to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The IRIS seeker was originally developed as a possible AIM-9 upgrade, but in 1994, the Luftwaffe decided to opt for a whole new missile with a new engine and airframe. The program began the definition phase in 1996, and transitioned to the engineering phase in May 1998. Germany signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Canada, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden to co-develop the missile as a Sidewinder replacement.
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