EU approves joint procurement of IRIS-T SLM air defence system under project JAMIE

This project, allocated €60 million in funding, aims to bolster European air defence capabilities by leveraging economies of scale and enhancing interoperability between national armed forces. “The successful deployment with high effectiveness of the IRIS-T SLM systems in Ukraine underlines the importance of this modern system for European air defence in the medium-range layer,” emphasised the German company Diehl Defence.

The broader EDIRPA programme, established in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, seeks to address urgent defence needs and replenish stockpiles by promoting collaborative procurement. By aggregating demand, the EU aims to provide clarity and predictability to defence manufacturers, enabling them to scale up production capacities while reducing costs for member states.

JAMIE is one of two air defence projects selected under EDIRPA. The second project, MISTRAL, involves the procurement of very short-range air defence systems by nine member states. Together, these efforts will ensure enhanced protection against air threats, including combat aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial systems, strengthening the EU’s collective defence readiness.

The European Commission received 12 proposals under the EDIRPA programme by July 2024, reflecting strong interest from member states and Norway. Each project was evaluated based on its potential to address the EU’s most critical defence needs and improve interoperability across national forces.

EDIRPA, a short-term initiative running until 2025, compensates member states for administrative costs related to joint procurement rather than directly funding the defence products. The Commission has proposed extending this logic through the European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) beyond 2025, aiming to sustain aggregated demand and foster deeper defence integration across the EU.