Slovenia Strengthens Air Defense Capabilities with Diehl Defence's IRIS-T SLM System

Defense News ,Europe :- Diehl Defence, as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), has recently finalized a purchase agreement with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) on January 25. Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of BAAINBw, and Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, reached an agreement, with the power of attorney from the Republic of Slovenia, to procure the medium-range air defense system IRIS-T SLM for the European NATO partner country.

The procurement includes a fire unit, comprising radar, tactical operations center, four missile launchers, IRIS-T SL guided missiles, and logistical support.

ESSI, initiated by Germany in August 2022, is a project aimed at establishing and reinforcing integrated ground-based air defense across Europe. The project's objectives include enhancing interoperability with NATO nations and creating synergies through joint procurements. Nineteen European states, including Austria and Switzerland, along with 17 NATO countries, have expressed their intention to join the project. Slovenia, following Germany, Estonia, and Latvia, becomes the fourth ESSI nation to sign a contract with Diehl Defence for IRIS-T SLM systems.

For the first time, Slovenia utilized a standardized contract for ESSI procurements, facilitating future synergy effects and expediting the procurement process. Diehl Defence ensured a synchronized delivery of IRIS-T SLM to ESSI nations by allocating production slots to interested nations, including Slovenia.

This procurement marks Slovenia's enhancement of its air defense capabilities, providing medium-range capabilities for the first time. There are plans for further system procurements.

Within Diehl Defence's product range, IRIS-T SLM is designed to counter threats posed by enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones within a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km. The IRIS-T SLM fire unit includes missile launchers, radar, and a tactical operations center, with additional support elements such as workshops, spare parts, and reloading vehicles. The system boasts high tactical mobility, deployability of missile launchers, and the ability to engage multiple targets with low personnel requirements.

The IRIS-T SLM system has demonstrated exceptional performance in operational use in Ukraine, achieving a high hit rate even during waves of attacks with more than 12 targets. Additionally, the system forms the core of the new 'Short and Very Short Range Air Defence System' (NNbS), complemented by short-range capabilities within NNbS.