As part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), Diehl Defence has entered into a purchase agreement with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) on January 25 for the acquisition of the medium-range air defense system IRIS-T SLM. Annette Lehnigk-Emden, President of BAAINBw, in collaboration with Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, representing the Republic of Slovenia with power of attorney, reached an agreement on the procurement of the ground-based air defense system for the European NATO partner country.

The ESSI is a project initiated by Germany in August 2022 to establish and enhance integrated ground-based air defense across Europe. ESSI aims to improve interoperability among nations within NATO and create synergies through collaborative procurement efforts. Nineteen European states, including Austria and Switzerland and 17 NATO countries, have declared their intent to join the project, with additional countries expressing interest. Following Germany, Estonia, and Latvia, Slovenia becomes the fourth ESSI nation to sign a contract with Diehl Defence to acquire IRIS-T SLM systems.

Slovenia has utilized a standardized contract for ESSI procurements, marking the first time it has done so. This standardized approach enhances synergy effects and expedites the procurement process, benefiting additional ESSI customers and the industry. Diehl Defence, through coordinated production slots, ensures timely delivery of IRIS-T SLM systems to ESSI nations, including Slovenia. This procurement enhances Slovenia’s air defense capabilities in the medium range for the first time, with plans for further system acquisitions.

Part of the Diehl Defence product lineup, the IRIS-T SLM is specifically engineered to counter threats presented by adversary aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones, operating within a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km. An IRIS-T SLM fire unit comprises essential components like a missile launcher, radar, and tactical operations center, complemented by support elements, including workshops, spare parts, and reloading vehicles. Noteworthy features include high tactical mobility, the deployability of missile launchers, and the ability to engage multiple targets with minimal personnel requirements. (Press Release)

Post Image Credit: Diehl Defence