This procurement was facilitated by the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO), which authorised BAAINBw to carry out the process. The system is intended to close a critical capability gap by protecting the civilian population, armed forces, and key infrastructure against airborne threats.
Helmut Rauch expressed pride in Denmark’s decision, stating: “We are proud to have won Denmark as a further IRIS-T SLM customer and to be able to support the Danish Armed Forces in their missions to protect the Danish population. We look forward to working together and making Europe safer.”
The acquisition is being conducted through the standard agreement of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), allowing for an accelerated and streamlined procurement process. With this step, Denmark becomes the eighth ESSI nation to adopt the Diehl Defence air defence system, following Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Diehl Defence highlights the benefits of growing ESSI membership, including joint training, shared exercises, and cooperative logistics and maintenance among allied countries. This collective approach aims to strengthen interoperability and efficiency across Europe’s defence landscape.
All missiles for the IRIS-T SLM system are manufactured in Germany, ensuring a high degree of supply security. Furthermore, the system’s European production base provides strategic advantages, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability.
Within Diehl Defence’s portfolio, the IRIS-T SLM is designed to counter threats such as aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones at distances of up to 40 kilometres and altitudes reaching 20 kilometres. Each fire unit includes a missile launcher, radar, and tactical operations centre, supported by workshops, spare parts, and reloading vehicles.
The system offers 360° coverage, tactical mobility, low personnel requirements, and multi-target engagement capability. According to Diehl Defence, the IRIS-T SLM has demonstrated exceptional performance in operations, achieving high hit rates even when facing more than 15 simultaneous targets.
The IRIS-T product family now counts 21 user countries that have acquired either the air-to-air missile variant or one of the ground-based systems. These customers continue to rely on the proven capabilities of the IRIS-T platform.
