Denmark procures additional IRIS-T SLM fire units

As part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), Denmark procured additional fire units for the IRIS-T SLM medium-range ground-based air defence system. The corresponding contract was signed in Coblenz on December 4, 2025. Denmark thus strengthens its Surface Based Air and Missile Defense (SBAMD). In addition to the civilian population, also armed forces and critical infrastructure are protected from airborne threats.

Back in July this year, the Danish Ministry of Defence opted for the combat-proven IRIS-T SLM system from Diehl Defence in its procurement process for an interim air defence solution. The current contract is the so-called "SBAMD Permanent Solution". Diehl Defence is proud that Denmark, as an existing customer, has once again decided to procure a solution from the systems house to close its capability gap.

The ESSI standard contract was used again, which enables an accelerated and unbureaucratic procurement process. A total of eleven countries, including Denmark, have already opted for the air defence solution from Diehl Defence. Thanks to the constant expansion of the ESSI user countries and their joint procurement, synergies are being created that are very valuable and can be used for the future.

The IRIS-T SLM system 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. The system is characterized by its real 360°-coverage, high tactical mobility, deployability of the missile launchers and multiple target engagement with low personnel requirement. According to the customer, the system achieves a very high hit rate even during waves of attack with more than 15 targets.

By now, the IRIS-T family comprises 21 user countries: They have already procured or commissioned the procurement of the air-to-air guided missile IRIS-T or one of Diehl Defence's IRIS-T GBAD systems and thus rely on the outstanding performance of IRIS-T based products.