The procurement follows a decision in July when the Danish Ministry of Defence selected the combat-proven IRIS-T SLM as an interim air defence solution. Diehl Defence stated that Denmark’s latest signed agreement represents the “SBAMD Permanent Solution” and expressed pride that the country has again selected a system from its portfolio to close a national capability gap.
According to Diehl Defence, the European Sky Shield Initiative standard contract was used once more, supporting an accelerated and streamlined procurement process. The company confirmed that eleven countries, including Denmark, have now opted for the same solution, enabling shared cost efficiencies and future cooperation across participating users.
The IRIS-T SLM system is designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at ranges of up to 40 kilometres and altitudes up to 20 kilometres. Each fire unit consists of a missile launcher, radar and tactical operations centre, and the system provides full 360-degree coverage, high mobility, multiple simultaneous target engagement and a low personnel requirement.
Diehl Defence said the system has reportedly demonstrated a very high hit rate even during attacks involving more than 15 incoming targets. The company also reported that the IRIS-T product family now has 21 user countries that have either purchased or commissioned procurement, relying on the performance and operational record of IRIS-T-based systems.
