Germany’s Diehl Defence announced on 11 December 2025 that it has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for more launchers for the IRIS-T SLS short-range ground-based air defence system.
In addition to the SLS launchers, the contract also covers a comprehensive logistics package, including spare parts.
Sweden is a long-standing IRIS-T consortium partner and has operated the IRIS-T air-to-air missile on its Gripen fighters for many years. In addition to the air-to-air variant, Sweden also fields the IRIS-T SLS ground-based system and decided in June 2025 to procure seven units of the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence system. In combination these acquisitions will provide a modern, layered air defence capability that strengthens Sweden’s air defences.
The IRIS-T SLS system covers the short-range air defence (SHORAD) mission using standard IRIS-T air-to-air missiles. The highly agile infra-red-homing IRIS-T missiles offer 360° protection against missiles and hostile rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.
The IRIS-T missile was developed with Swedish participation and, as it is already a primary air-to-air weapon of the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen fighters, represents a very cost-effective solution for Sweden’s ground-based air defence needs.
IRIS-T missiles are now used by 21 countries, Diehl noted in a press release.
Most recently, on 9 December 2025, Denmark ordered additional IRIS-T SLM fire units to add to an initial IRIS-T SLM acquisition made in July 2025.
![The IFPC Inc 2 AD system is intended to defend fixed and forward operating bases against the latest and emerging aerial threats including rotary and fixed-wing, UAVs and cruise missiles, most likely using a second, more capable interceptor. [US Army]](https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/1-IFPC-Increment-2-system-Credit-US-Army-Kopie-218x150.jpg "IFPC Increment 2: Filling the medium-range gap")
![IRIS-T SLM key system components viewed from above, consisting of the command post (left), transporter, erector, launcher (TEL; middle), and radar (right). This system forms the MRAD component of ESSI. [Diehl Defence]](https://euro-sd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IRIS-T-SLM-system-components_Diehl-Defence-Kopie-218x150.jpg "Desolate skies: Why GBAD matters")