Switzerland has acquired five IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense systems as part of its participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative.
The contract was signed by Germany’s arms procurement agency with the system’s manufacturer, Diehl Defence, on behalf of the Swiss arms procurement office. While the exact contract value remains undisclosed, the Swiss government approved a credit guarantee of 660 million Swiss Francs ($832 million) under its 2024 armament program for medium-range air defense.
The IRIS-T SLM system — an upgraded surface-launched version of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile — consists of a missile launcher, radar, and a command and control module. It is designed to intercept a variety of airborne threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles, with a maximum range of 40 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 20 kilometers.
Switzerland joins eight other nations that have selected the IRIS-T SLM system, including Germany, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, and Bulgaria.
