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2023-10-01

Estonia, Latvia Join ESSI, Procure IRIS-T SLM

Estonia and Latvia have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Germany to join the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) and a framework agreement with Diehl Defence to procure IRIS-T SLM medium range ground-based air defence systems.

This is the biggest defence investment for both countries since their independence more than 30 years ago.

Visiting Diehl Defence in Röthenbach (Germany), the Estonian and Latvian Ministers of Defence, Hanno Pevkur and Ināra Mūrniece, signed the LoI with the German Minister of Defence, Boris Pistorius.

The procurement process for medium range ground-based air defence systems is led by the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI).

Magnus-Valdemar Saar, Director General of ECDI, stated: “The procurement was conducted at a record pace in a fiercely competitive environment, allowing us to deliver the required capability with the shortest possible lead time and at a very affordable price. This process involved Estonian and Latvian organisations joining forces in a complex requirements development, rigorous evaluations, and negotiations. It must now be followed by meticulous project management to ensure the first systems are delivered and operational in 2025.”

Project Goal

ESSI aims to create an integrated European ground-based air defence, started by Germany in August 2022, with 19 European states, including 17 NATO countries like Austria and Switzerland. Estonia and Latvia have joined as the first ESSI nations, signing for IRIS-T SLM (Surface Launched Medium-Range) systems with Diehl Defence.

The signatures follow shortly after the invitation of the German Chief of Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, to his ESSI colleagues to visit the new European Air Defence Academy in Todendorf, Germany, which took place on September 5.

The academy offers joint and combined training possibilities for IRIS-T SLM under the ESSI umbrella.

Diehl Defence strongly supports ESSI and is prepared to provide its ground-based air defence systems as required by participating nations.

Among Diehl Defence’s offerings, the IRIS-T SLM system is specifically designed to counter threats from enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones at ranges of up to 40 km and altitudes of up to 20 km.

Fire Unit

An IRIS-T SLM fire unit comprises key components: a missile launcher, radar, and a tactical operations centre, complemented by support elements like workshop, spare parts, and reloading vehicles. The system excels in high tactical mobility, missile launcher deployability, and capability to engage multiple targets with minimal personnel demands.

IRIS-T SLM reportedly said to have excelled in Ukraine, achieving near 100 per cent hit rate with 12+ targets.

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