Sweden orders more IRIS-T SLS launchers from Diehl Defence

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.