Sweden has signed a major defense contract with Germany’s Diehl Defence to acquire seven fire units of the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system, reinforcing its role in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The $925 million deal was announced by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and will see the first components delivered by mid-2028, with full operational capability expected by 2030.
The European Sky Shield Initiative, led by Germany, is a multinational programme aimed at building a multi-layered air and missile defense architecture across Europe. The IRIS-T SLM system, developed by Diehl Defence, is the designated medium-range component within ESSI, complementing long-range systems such as the U.S.-made Patriot and Israel’s Arrow 3.
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) stated that the procurement enhances Sweden’s contribution to European collective defense and underlines its commitment to strengthening air defense capabilities. The IRIS-T SLM has seen operational success in Ukraine, where it has been credited with intercepting various aerial threats with high accuracy.
In addition to Sweden, the system has already been adopted by several European countries, including Germany, Latvia, and Estonia. The growing adoption of the IRIS-T SLM underscores its reputation as a modern and reliable solution for medium-range air defense across the continent.