Latvia procures IRIS-T SLM
Latvia has withdrawn from the framework contract concluded in September with Diehl Defense for the procurement of air defense systems IRIS-T SLM (ESuTreported) received a tranche worth around 600 million euros, as the Latvian Ministry of Defense and Diehl announced in press releases.
The purchase agreement represents Latvia's largest defense investment since its independence more than 30 years ago, writes Diehl. Latvia will receive the necessary equipment for the effective operation of the IRIS-T SLM system, which will ensure the introduction of multi-layered air defense in Latvia as well as the integration of existing short-range capabilities. In 'multi-layered air defense', air defense systems of different ranges can not only protect other ground assets, but also offer each other protection and work in a networked environment. Each additional layer increases the resistance of the entire system against enemy attacks. The development of such air defense capabilities in Latvia is one of the government's priorities.
Within the Diehl Defense product portfolio, the IRIS-T SLM system is designed to defend against threats from enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at a distance of up to 40 km and an altitude of 20 km. According to Diehl, an IRIS-T SLM fire unit consists of the components launcher, radar and command post. It will be supplemented by support elements such as workshop, spare parts and reloading vehicles. The system is characterized by its high tactical mobility, deployability of the launch devices and multiple target engagement with low personnel costs.
According to our own calculations, the 600 million euros can be used to purchase three to four IRIS-T SLM fire units, depending on the configuration.
The joint procurement of one type of system will allow Latvia and Estonia to save budget resources and facilitate mutual coordination in the defense of the Baltic states, writes the Latvian Defense Ministry. It also enables the interoperability and interchangeability of systems and components.
Delivery of the medium-range air defense systems should begin in 2026, the ministry continued. Until then, Latvia needs to train its personnel, upgrade its infrastructure and meet other requirements so that the national armed forces are able to fully operate and maintain the IRIS-T systems at the time of delivery.
Germany has set up the “European Defense Academy”, an air defense training center, in Todendorf. The Air Force Inspector, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, invited his colleagues in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) to visit. At the Academy, Estonia and Lithuania could use joint and combined training opportunities for IRIS-T SLM under ESSI.
In operational use in Ukraine, the IRIS-T SLM system impresses with its excellent performance, writes Diehl. According to customer statements, the system achieved a very high hit rate even in attack waves with over 12 targets.
Editorial staff / gwh
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