Sweden Expands IRIS-T Air Defence Portfolio With New SLS Order From Diehl Defence
Sweden strengthens its layered air defense by ordering new IRIS-T SLS launchers and logistics support from Diehl Defence, expanding a long-term partnership and complementing its recent SLM procurement.
Sweden has placed a fresh order with Diehl Defence for additional IRIS-T SLS launchers, strengthening the country’s short-range air defense posture and extending a long-standing industrial partnership. The agreement, signed with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), also includes a comprehensive logistics package covering spare parts and long-term support.
Sweden has been part of the IRIS-T consortium from the beginning and operates the missile extensively on its Gripen fleet. Beyond the air-to-air version, the Swedish Armed Forces field IRIS-T SLS for ground-based defence and decided in June 2025 to procure seven IRIS-T SLM medium-range units, forming the backbone of a modern layered defence architecture.
The IRIS-T family’s agility and all-around engagement capability provide 360-degree protection against aircraft, helicopters, missiles, and precision-guided threats. Developed with Swedish participation, the IRIS-T missile has long been considered a top-tier dogfight weapon on the Gripen—now leveraged in its surface-to-air role without modification for the SLS system. This dual-use approach significantly reduces costs and simplifies logistics.
With 21 nations now operating or procuring IRIS-T variants, the system continues to consolidate its position as one of Europe’s most successful air defence solutions. For Sweden, the new SLS order reinforces national defense readiness and contributes to NATO and European collective security by enhancing interoperable short-range air defense capacity.
