Switzerland Buys Five IRIS-T SLM Air Defense Systems from Germany
Switzerland has agreed to acquire five IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defense systems from Germany, as announced by German missile maker Diehl Defence on July 22. The Swiss procurement office (Armasuisse) authorized Germany’s military procurement agency (BAAINBw) to sign the contracts on its behalf. Switzerland plans to utilize these systems to protect against medium-range aerial threats as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), having joined the initiative in October 2024 as its 19th member.
Under the new deal, Diehl will deliver five complete IRIS-T SLM batteries along with a full support package. This includes logistics trucks and mobile maintenance vehicles, ample spare missile rounds and parts, and a dedicated training station for Swiss crews. These support systems enable Swiss technicians to maintain the launchers and radars in operational condition in the field. Diehl notes that adding the IRIS-T SLM closes a critical capability gap for Switzerland’s air defense. The five systems will form the new medium-range (Bodluv MR) component of Switzerland’s Integrated Air Defense network.
The IRIS-T SLM is a modern German-made surface-to-air missile system derived from the IRIS-T air-to-air missile. Each battery includes mobile vertical-launch rocket canisters and an advanced AESA radar. The system can target aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, or even drones at ranges of up to approximately 40 kilometers and altitudes of up to 20 kilometers. IRIS-T SLM offers 360° coverage and high tactical mobility. Its launch vehicles are truck-mounted, so batteries can quickly relocate and cover multiple approach directions. The IRIS-T SLM has delivered exceptional performance in operational tests and field use.
This procurement also utilizes ESSI’s cooperative framework to accelerate delivery and enhance interoperability. By using the standardized ESSI contract model, Switzerland can acquire the IRIS-T SLM systems more quickly and benefit from shared training, logistics, and maintenance arrangements with other partner nations. The five IRIS-T SLM batteries bought from Germany will fill Switzerland’s medium-range defense gap and strengthen its air defense network under a unified European scheme.