Latvia procures IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence systems

On 30 November 2023 the Latvian Ministry of Defence (MoD) called up a tranche worth around EUR 600 M from the framework contract concluded with Diehl Defence in September 2023 for the procurement of IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence systems. The purchase order represents Latvia’s largest defence investment since its independence more than 30 years ago, according to Diehl.

Latvia will receive the necessary equipment for the effective operation of the IRIS-T SLM system, which will ensure the introduction of multi-layered air defence in Latvia and the integration of existing short-range capabilities. In a multi-layered air defence architecture, air defence systems of different ranges can not only protect other ground assets, but also protect each other and operate in a networked environment. Each additional layer increases the resistance of the entire system to enemy attacks. The development of such air defence capabilities in Latvia is one of the government’s priorities.

Within the Diehl Defence product portfolio, the IRIS-T SLM system is designed to defend against threats from enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles at ranges up to 40 km and altitudes up to 20 km. According to Diehl, an IRIS-T SLM fire unit consists of a launcher, radar and command post, which are supplemented by support elements such as workshops, spare parts and reloading vehicles. The system is characterised by its high tactical mobility, deployability of the launchers and multiple target engagement capabilities with low manpower requirements.

According to calculation by ESD, three to four IRIS-T SLM fire units can be procured for EUR 600 M, depending on the configuration.

According to the Latvian MoD, the joint procurement of one type of system will enable Latvia and Estonia to save budgetary resources and facilitate mutual co-ordination in the air defence of the Baltic states. It will also enable the interoperability and interchangeability of systems and components.

The delivery of the medium-range air defence systems should begin in 2026, the ministry added. By then Latvia will need to have to trained its personnel and upgraded its infrastructure as well as fulfilling other requirements so that the national armed forces are able to fully operate and maintain the IRIS-T systems at the time of delivery.

Germany has established the ‘European Defence Academy’, a training centre for air defence, in Todendorf, which the inspector of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, has invited his colleagues in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) to visit. At the academy Estonia and Lithuania could utilise joint and combined training opportunities for the IRIS-T SLM system within the framework of ESSI.

In operational use in Ukraine, the IRIS-T SLM system “impresses with its outstanding performance”, according to Diehl, which claims the system has achieved a very high hit rate even in attack waves comprising more than 12 targets.