In a significant move to enhance its national security, Slovenia has signed a contract with Germany for the procurement of the advanced IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system. This acquisition marks a major step forward for the country’s air defense capabilities.
The IRIS-T SLM system possesses impressive capabilities, offering effective defense against a range of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With a maximum engagement range of 40 kilometers and an operational altitude of up to 20 kilometers, the system provides a robust shield against potential airborne threats.
The acquisition also aligns with Slovenia’s participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a collaborative effort among 19 European nations to establish a more integrated and efficient air defense system across the region. This acquisition signifies Slovenia’s commitment to playing a proactive role in safeguarding its own airspace and contributing to Europe’s collective defense posture.
Orders are expected to ramp up citing its successful deployment in Ukraine, where it achieved exceptional hit rates against multiple target engagements. This operational track record further proves the system’s reliability and effectiveness. Last year, Diehl had announced to double the production of systems and triple the missile production by 2025 to meet the orders.
