Amid the successful use of IRIS-T SLM in Ukraine, Estonia and Latvia are jointly buying German air defence systems

Since the end of last year, German IRIS-T SLM air defence systems have been protecting the skies over Ukraine. The successful use has contributed to the growing number of countries interested in the IRIS-T SLM. Latvia and Estonia are ready to jointly purchase the air defence systems.

Here's What We Know

On 11 September 2023, the Latvian and Estonian defence ministers signed a framework agreement in Germany for the purchase of IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defence systems. The joint acquisition will allow the two Baltic States to save money.

Once negotiations are finalised and a contract is signed with Germany's Diehl Defense, deliveries of the surface-to-air missile systems will begin. This will take about three years, so both countries still have time to train personnel and improve infrastructure.

The IRIS-T SLM is one of three versions of Diehl Defence's air defence system. It is designed to intercept drones, cruise missiles, helicopters and aircraft. The IRIS-T missile can destroy airborne threats within a radius of 40 kilometres.

The launcher can have four or eight vertical launch containers. Also included is the TRML-4D radar station, which can track air threats, including ballistic missiles, at a range of up to 250 kilometres.

Source: @BMVg_Bundeswehr.