Slovenia Procures IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System within ESSI Framework

Slovenia has procured the medium-range air defense system IRIS-T SLM within the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) framework.

Diehl Defence signed a purchase contract 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 on behalf of Slovenia for the procurement of the ground-based air defense system.

The purchase order encompasses one fire unit, comprising radar, tactical operations center, four missile launchers, IRIS-T SL guided missiles, and logistic support. Slovenia, becoming the fourth ESSI nation to sign a contract with Diehl Defence for IRIS-T SLM systems, joins Germany, Estonia, and Latvia in the initiative.

Slovenia's use of a standardized contract for ESSI procurements is noted, with the aim of streamlining the procurement process. Diehl Defence has allocated production slots strategically to ensure synchronized delivery of IRIS-T SLM to ESSI nations, with Slovenia being a recipient of these systems.

This acquisition marks a notable development for Slovenia, enhancing its air defense capabilities in the medium range for the first time. Plans for additional system procurements are being considered.

IRIS-T SLM is designed for countering threats posed by enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km. An IRIS-T SLM fire unit consists of the components missile launcher, radar and tactical operations center. It is supplemented by support elements such as workshop, spare parts and reloading vehicles. The system is characterized by its high tactical mobility, deployability of the missile launchers and multiple target engagement with low personnel requirement.

Additionally, the IRIS-T SLM serves as the core of the new 'Short and Very Short Range Air Defense System' (NNbS), addressing short-range threats within NNbS.

Diehl Defence claims the IRIS-T SLM “convinces with its excellent performance in operational use in Ukraine. According to the customer, the system achieved a very high hit rate even during waves of attack with more than 12 targets.”