IRIS-T SLM – The Defense Post

Apr- 2026 -

11 April

Air

Inside the European Sky Shield Initiative: Europe’s New Air Defense Architecture

Read our in-depth guide to the European Sky Shield Initiative, breaking down its layered missile defense architecture and strategic objectives.

Mar- 2026 -

18 March

Air

Rojoef Manuel

Diehl, Latvian Firm Form JV to Support Baltic Ground-Based Air Defense

German company Diehl Defence has signed a memorandum of understanding with Latvia’s Ripo Remonta Centrs to establish a joint venture supporting ground-based air defense systems across the Baltic region.

Jan- 2026 -

29 January

Air

An artist's rendition of a KF-21 Boramae fighter jet flying above the clouds and firing off an IRIS-T missile. The jet plane, seen on the far left side of the image, is painted gray. The missile has a similar color scheme, seen jutting out white flames from its back as it propels itself forward. The background is a blue sky with white light clouds seen below.

Bea Castañeda

IRIS-T Missile: A Compact, Agile Spear in the Sky

This guide breaks down the IRIS-T missile, highlighting its capabilities, limitations, and strategic role in shaping modern air combat worldwide.

Aug- 2025 -

5 August

Arms

An IRIS-T SLM air defense system is seen in what appears to be a dry/desert landscape. Some sand can be seen being blown by the wind. The self-launching system itself is seen propped up and mounted on the back of an 8x8 military truck. The truck is painted in camouflage that matches the dry brown color of the environment. The background is a clear but dull blue sky.

Christine Casimiro

Slovenia Orders Two More IRIS-T SLM Fire Units Under European Sky Shield

Slovenia has procured two additional IRIS-T SLM fire units from Diehl Defence as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).

Jul- 2025 -

9 July

Arms

Christine Casimiro

Leaked: Ukraine Asks Germany for IRIS-T Missiles, GPS Jammers, Armored Vehicles

A confidential Ukrainian request for military aid from Germany has been leaked, revealing Kyiv asking for advanced air defense systems, armored vehicles, and electronic warfare systems.

Apr- 2025 -

7 April

Air

Inder Singh Bisht

Estonia Plans Air Defense Purchase for Russian Ballistic Missile Threat

Estonia plans to procure a long-range air-defense system for a potential Russian ballistic missile attack.

Jan- 2025 -

31 January

Arms

Joe Saballa

Germany’s Diehl Defence Wins IRIS-T Block II Missile Development Deal

German firm Diehl Defence has once again been selected to lead a multinational effort to develop an advanced version of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile.

Nov- 2024 -

4 November

Air

Giulia Bernacchi

Norway to Boost Ukrainian Air Defense Capabilities With $127M Budget

The Norwegian government has announced it will allocate 1.4 billion kroner ($127 million) to enhance Ukrainian air defense systems.

Sep- 2024 -

5 September

Air

Staff Writer With AFP

German Army Activates Air Defense System, Citing Russia Threat

Germany's military put a first Iris-T air-defense system into service on its own soil after having delivered several of them to war-torn Ukraine.

Aug- 2024 -

16 August

Air

Inder Singh Bisht

Bulgarian Parliament Approves German Air Defense System Procurement

The Bulgarian parliament has ratified a government proposal for the phased acquisition of a long-range and six medium-range IRIS-T air-defense systems from Germany.

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