TSAMTO, July 29. Switzerland is purchasing 5 IRIS-T SLM medium–range air defense systems as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Defense, Civil Protection and Sports of Switzerland.
The contract for the supply of IRIS-T SLM air defense systems to Switzerland was signed by the German Federal Office for Armaments, Information Technology and Maintenance (BAAINBw) with Diehl Defense GmbH after receiving permission from the Swiss Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (Armasuisse).
The condition for the joint purchase of air defense systems under the ESSI initiative was the signing on June 20, 2025, with the approval of the Swiss Federal Council, Urs Locher, the National Director of Armaments, authorizing BAAINBw to conclude a contract with Diehl Defense GmbH on behalf of Switzerland.
As stated, five IRIS-T SLM air defense systems will allow the Swiss Armed Forces to eliminate gaps in the air defense system and increase protection against modern aerial threats. The IRIS-T SLM air defense systems will complement the F-35A fighters and the Patriot long-range air defense system.
The intermediate-range ground-based air defense system (GBAD MR) will be operated as part of an integrated air defense system. It is designed to protect against aerial threats, including airplanes, UAVs and cruise missiles. The system will be used both independently and in conjunction with combat aircraft. The air defense systems will also be used for missile defense, warning of rocket, mortar and artillery attacks. In addition, the IRIS-T SLM will take over the functions of short-range anti-aircraft guns, which are being decommissioned.
Armasuisse has entered into an offset agreement with Diehl Defense GmbH, which includes an obligation to perform compensation operations in accordance with the Swiss offset policy.
Loan funds in the amount of 660 million francs (809 million dollars) for the purchase of GBAD MR were approved by the Swiss Parliament in the arms program for 2024. Another 10 million francs will be used from the fund for development, testing and preparation for procurement. The cost of the contract for the joint purchase of IRIS-T SLM systems under the ESSI program agreement is about 500 million francs. Thus, the project is being implemented within the planned budget. In addition to the IRIS-T SLM systems, the contract includes the supply of repair equipment, transport and charging vehicles, spare parts, test equipment, ammunition, systems and services for training personnel.
If possible, the IRIS-T SLM system will be purchased in the standard configuration of the manufacturing country (Germany). According to the plans, the first battery will be delivered at the end of 2028. Further deliveries will be carried out in the period from 2029 to 2031. The training of regular military personnel will begin in 2027, and those in reserve – from 2029. The infrastructure for operation and training will be created in the period from 2028 to 2031. The initial readiness of the system for combat use should be achieved as soon as possible, and full readiness – after the delivery of the last firing unit and conducting comprehensive tests and combat readiness checks.
The IRIS-T SLM air defense system can hit targets at ranges from 1 to 40 km and altitudes up to 20 km.
As reported by CAMTO, in May 2024, the Swiss Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (Armasuisse) announced a tender for the supply of a new ground-based medium-range anti-aircraft missile system. Requests were sent to three leading Western manufacturers of this class of air defense systems, including Diehl Defense (Germany), the Kongsberg consortium (Norway) and Raytheon (USA), as well as the French MBDA group. The deadline for submitting proposals was mid-July 2024.
At the same time, in April 2024, Switzerland decided to join the German-led European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which purchases the IRIS-T SLM air defense system from Diehl Defense.
As a result, MBDA and Kongsberg ignored the Swiss tender, leaving Germany's Diehl Defense as the only potential contender for victory.
