Denmark Secures Additional IRIS-T SLM Systems
Under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), initiated by Germany and joined by 24 nations, Denmark has acquired additional units of the medium-range IRIS-T SLM ground-to-air defense system, produced by Germany’s Diehl Defence.
The contract was signed in Koblenz on December 4, 2025, by Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse (FMI) on behalf of the Danish Ministry of Defense.
Denmark thus strengthens its permanent surface-to-air missile defense (SBAMD). In addition to the civilian population, the Armed Forces and critical infrastructures will also be better protected from aerial threats.
FMI previously signed a contract in July 2025 for the initial acquisition of an IRS-T SLM fire unit to boost Danish terrestrial air defense as a provisional measure.
Delivery of the first contracted system is expected by the end of 2026, and it is believed it will be operational by spring 2027. The system requires about 30 soldiers to manage its operation.
The new contract now provides for the acquisition of several new IRIS-T SLM systems for permanent SBAMD ground-to-air defense.
Description of IRIS-T SLM System
The IRIS-T SLM system is designed to counter threats posed by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, loitering munitions and remote-piloted vehicles at a maximum range of 40 km and a maximum altitude of 20 km.
An IRIS-T SLM fire unit is composed of missile launcher units, a radar, and a tactical operations center, as well as logistics vehicles for restocking munitions.
The IRIS-T can be combined with other missile or VSHORAD artillery systems, as well as C-UAS systems; furthermore, it can be integrated under a multi-layer defensive architecture.
The system features real 360° coverage, high tactical mobility, deployability of missile launchers, and engagement of multiple targets, achieved with a reduced personnel requirement.
Current and Developing Versions of the GBAD IRIS-T
Diehl currently produces two versions of the ground-to-air defense system, the short-range IRIS-T SLS that employs the same heat-seeking missile as the air-to-air version (IR) and IRIS-T SLM, a medium-range version with a radio frequency-guided (RF) missile.
In addition, the German company is completing the development of the IRIS-T SLX, a long-range version that will double the system’s operating radius to 80 km and the engagement altitude.
The IRIS-T in the SLS and SLM versions has been highly successful with its adoption by as many as 21 countries and is currently used by Ukraine, which has recorded exceptionally high efficiency and successful engagement rates.
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)
The ESSI was born out of Germany’s desire to equip Europe with an integrated, multi-layered, land-based air defense system capable of also providing ballistic missile defense capabilities.
The purpose is to ensure joint procurement of air defense systems to optimize purchase and management costs, simplify procurement procedures, promote large-scale production securing industrial level benefits, while ensuring suitable delivery times.
As anticipated, ESSI will give rise to a multi-layered air and missile defense; the lower level will be covered by Skyranger 30 and Tridon Mk 2 anti-aircraft artillery systems; medium-range operations will be conducted by IRIS-T and NASAM missile systems; long-range coverage will be ensured by the SAMP-T NG and Patriot, which will also contribute to short-range and in-atmospheric ballistic missile defense, respectively, with Aster 30 Block 1 NT and PAC-3 MSE missiles plus Patriot GEM-T.
For long-range exoatmospheric missile defense, the Israeli-American Arrow 3 system will operate for the time being, whose first elements have recently been delivered by Israel Aerospace Industries to the Luftwaffe.
Source and photo credit @Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG
