Sweden has officially joined the growing list of European countries enhancing their air defense capabilities by selecting the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense system. The announcement was made during a press conference on the island of Gotland, where Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Minister of Defence Pål Jonson confirmed the procurement.
Sweden Enhances Air Defense with IRIS-T SLM
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) will procure seven fire units of the IRIS-T SLM as part of the country’s broader strategy to strengthen national air defense. With this acquisition, Sweden becomes the eighth country among the 24-member European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) to adopt the system. The newly acquired IRIS-T SLM systems are scheduled for delivery between mid-2028 and mid-2030.
Contract Signed Under ESSI Framework
The contract signing took place during a visit to the Swedish Armed Forces’ P18 Regiment on Gotland. Present at the event were Diehl Defence CEO Helmut Rauch and Chief Program Officer Dr. Harald Buschek. Sweden will leverage a standardized ESSI procurement contract, designed to accelerate acquisition timelines and promote interoperability among European allies.
Helmut Rauch stated:
“We thank Sweden and the Swedish defence forces very much for the trustful cooperation and the long-term partnership. Diehl Defence is proud that Sweden has chosen IRIS-T SLM for its medium-range air defence.”
System Capabilities and Tactical Advantages
The IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range surface-launched missile system capable of intercepting a wide range of aerial threats, including:
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Aircraft
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Helicopters
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Cruise missiles
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Unmanned aerial systems (drones)
Key technical specifications include:
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Maximum range: 40 kilometers
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Maximum altitude: 20 kilometers
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Multi-target engagement capability
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Tactical mobility with low personnel requirements
Each IRIS-T SLM fire unit comprises a missile launcher, radar system, and tactical operations center, supported by reloading vehicles, maintenance facilities, and spare parts. The system is noted for its high hit rate, even under saturation attack scenarios involving more than twelve simultaneous targets.
Continued Swedish-German Defence Cooperation
Sweden has been an integral part of the IRIS-T program since the 1990s, participating in the joint development of the original air-to-air missile variant. In 2013, Sweden procured the IRIS-T SLS for short-range defense. The selection of the IRIS-T SLM further deepens its defense collaboration with Diehl Defence and its European partners.
Conclusion
Sweden’s decision to adopt the IRIS-T SLM under the ESSI framework reflects its long-term commitment to national and regional air defense integration. The move also reinforces the importance of standardized, interoperable systems in building a robust European deterrence capability.
Umair Aslam is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Global Defense Insight. He has worked as a defense journalist reporting on military modernization programs, defense industry, arms procurement, and emerging technologies.
