As part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), Denmark has ordered additional fire units of the ground-based medium-range air defense system Iris-T SLM from Diehl Defense ordered. The corresponding contract was signed in Koblenz on December 4. Copenhagen is thus strengthening its capabilities in Surface Based Air and Missile Defense (SBAMD) – to protect the population, critical infrastructure and its own armed forces. own armed forces.
Back in July, the Danish Danish Ministry of Defense opted for the tried-and-tested system from Diehl Defencein order to obtain a rapidly available interim solution. The contract that has now been signed forms the so-called “permanent SBAMD solution”. For Diehl Defence, the renewed selection by an existing customer is a “clear signal of trust”, as stated in a company press release.
As before, the ESSI standard contract was used, which enables accelerated and unbureaucratic procurement. A total of eleven ESSI countries – including Denmark – now rely on Iris-T SLM. With the growing user base, synergies in operations, training and logistics are increasing, making the systems even more economical and interoperable in the long term.
Iris-T SLM is designed to defend against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones. It is effective against targets up to 40 kilometers away and at an altitude of 20 kilometers. A fire unit comprises a missile launcher, radar and command post. The system offers true 360-degree coverage, high tactical mobility, deployable launchers, multi-target engagement and requires few personnel. According to users, Iris-T SLM achieves an exceptionally high hit rate even under complex attack waves with more than 15 targets.
Twenty-one countries now rely on products from the Iris-T family – whether as air-to-air missiles or as ground-based air defense systems.
Here for more news about the Danish armed forces and here to further news about Diehl Defense.
