Sweden has been an IRIS-T consortium partner for many years and operates the IRIS-T air-to-air missile on its Gripen aircraft. Alongside the air-to-air version, Sweden fields the IRIS-T SLS and decided in June 2025 to procure seven units of the medium-range IRIS-T SLM system.
This will equip Sweden with a modern, layered air defence capability that strengthens national protection and contributes to European security. IRIS-T SLS covers the SHORAD layer at short and very short ranges and uses the standard IRIS-T air-to-air missile without modification.
The agile guided missiles provide 360-degree protection for soldiers and infrastructure against missiles, aircraft and armed helicopters. Another advantage is the multi-role capability of the IRIS-T missile, which was developed with Swedish participation and has long been used in Sweden as a superior air-to-air weapon on Gripen aircraft.
Combined with the surface-to-air version, this creates an effective and cost-efficient option for building an air defence system. The IRIS-T family now includes 21 user countries that have procured or initiated procurement of the air-to-air missile or one of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T ground-based systems, reflecting continued confidence in the performance of IRIS-T products.
