Source: Government of Sweden
Published
To increase the war organisation’s operational capability, the Government has decided to procure air defence materiel for five air defence companies of the Army’s brigades and Battlegroup Gotland.
One of the key lessons from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the major need for air defence capability. Based on assignment from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, German authorities have today signed an agreement with German defence manufacturer Diehl on the procurement of seven IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-range) air defence systems on Sweden’s behalf. The total contract value is approximately SEK 9 billion.
Each IRIS-T SLM air defence system consists of vehicles with multifunction radar, command and control systems for airspace surveillance and targeting, two launchers with missiles, and support elements with vehicles for reloading, reserve parts and maintenance. The order comprises a total of 49 vehicles.
This air defence system is among the latest and most effective systems on the market and protects against threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, combat aircraft and cruise missiles. Ukraine currently uses the system very effectively in the defence of its airspace. Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Latvia and Slovenia have also ordered the system.
The IRIS-T SLM will complement Sweden’s other air defence systems, such as the Patriot, IRIS-T SLS and RBS 70 systems. Sweden will first take delivery in 2028.
Facts
Air defence companies are combat units consisting of around 140 soldiers. They are responsible for protecting brigades against attacks from the air, using radar systems, command and control systems and air defence missiles.
Brigades are combat units of about 5 000 soldiers, wherein all functions – e.g. artillery, intelligence, logistics and command – are coordinated within the Army.