Sweden Expands Layered Air Defence Network with New IRIS-T SLS Launcher Order to Diehl Defence

Diehl Defence has secured a fresh contract from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for additional launchers for the IRIS-T SLS short-range ground-based air defence system, marking another significant step in Stockholm’s multi-layered air defence modernisation. The agreement includes a full logistics package with spare parts, ensuring long-term operational availability and deepening the defence industry partnership between Sweden and the German manufacturer.

A Long-Standing Partnership Strengthened

Sweden has been part of the IRIS-T international development consortium since its inception in the early 2000s, contributing to the design and evolution of what has become one of Europe’s most trusted missile families.The Swedish Air Force formally introduced the IRIS-T air-to-air missile into operational service in 2005, integrating it on the JAS 39A/B and later on the Gripen C/D. Since then, Sweden has consistently upgraded missile software and seeker algorithms through multinational IRIS-T enhancement programs.

In the ground-based domain, Sweden became one of the earliest European adopters of the IRIS-T SLS (Short-Range) system, placing its first orders in the mid-2010s to replace older RBS 70 variants and to reinforce homeland air defence. Those initial procurements included vehicle-integrated launchers, command-and-control modules, and associated training systems. Deliveries for these early orders continued through the early 2020s, laying the groundwork for today’s expansion.

Recent Acceleration: SLS + SLM for a Modern Layered Shield

The latest launcher purchase follows Sweden’s landmark June 2025 decision to acquire seven IRIS-T SLM medium-range units, a move intended to build a fully layered air defence architecture capable of countering contemporary aerial threats. With the SLS covering the SHORAD and VSHORAD layer, and the SLM providing medium-range protection, Sweden is creating a defence shield comparable to that of leading European NATO members.

The IRIS-T SLS system uses the same standard IRIS-T missile employed in air combat—requiring no modification. Its agility, high off-boresight capability, and advanced infrared seeker provide a 360-degree defensive envelope, countering cruise missiles, aircraft, drones, and armed helicopters with high precision.

Operational Advantages and Swedish Contributions

The IRIS-T missile’s multi-role capability—air-to-air and surface-to-air—offers both cost efficiency and logistic simplicity, an advantage Sweden emphasised when it joined the consortium. Swedish engineers played a notable role in refining the missile’s seeker algorithms and propulsion elements, ensuring top-tier performance in high-latitude and multi-weather operations.

The combination of SLS and SLM, both using the same missile family, enables Sweden to streamline ammunition stockpiles and maintenance cycles while increasing battlefield flexibility.

Growing Global Confidence in IRIS-T Systems

With Sweden’s latest purchases, the IRIS-T ecosystem continues to expand globally. As of 2025, 21 nations have already procured or initiated procurement of either the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, the IRIS-T SLS, or Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T SLM and SLX long-range systems. Demand surged further after the IRIS-T SLM demonstrated strong battlefield performance in Ukraine, elevating its reputation as one of the world’s most capable air defence weapons.

For Sweden, whose defence posture has sharpened significantly following geopolitical tensions in Northern Europe and NATO accession initiatives, the expanded IRIS-T portfolio represents a pivotal enhancement of national security and a substantial contribution to collective European air defence.

A Next Phase in a Decades-Long Collaboration

From early IRIS-T development participation to the latest acquisition of new SLS launchers, Sweden and Diehl Defence have built a 20-year partnership that continues to shape Europe’s evolving air defence landscape. With SLS and SLM systems entering service side-by-side, Sweden is now positioned to field one of the continent’s most modern and layered ground-based air defence networks, safeguarding critical infrastructure and strengthening regional deterrence.