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.
© 2025, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
