To enhance the operational capabilities of its military forces, the Swedish Government has decided to procure air defence systems for five air defence units within the Army’s brigades, as well as the Battlegroup Gotland. On Monday, 23 June, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson held a press conference on Gotland to announce this significant acquisition.
One of the primary lessons learned from Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine has been the urgent necessity for advanced air defence capabilities. In alignment with this insight and upon direction from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, German authorities have formalised an agreement with the defence manufacturer Diehl to procure seven IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-Range) air defence systems on behalf of Sweden. The total value of this contract is approximately SEK 9 billion.
Each IRIS-T SLM system includes vehicles that are equipped with multifunction radar, command and control systems for airspace surveillance and targeting, two launchers with missiles, and associated support vehicles for reloading, spare parts, and maintenance. The order encompasses a total of 49 vehicles.
The IRIS-T SLM is one of the most advanced and effective air defence systems available, capable of countering a wide range of threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, combat aircraft, and cruise missiles. This system is currently being employed effectively by Ukraine to safeguard its airspace.
Additionally, other nations, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, and Slovenia, have also placed orders for this system. The IRIS-T SLM will enhance Sweden’s existing air defence capabilities, which already include the Patriot, IRIS-T SLS, and RBS 70 systems. The initial delivery of the IRIS-T SLM to Sweden is anticipated in 2028.
