Denmark Places Urgent Order for German IRIS-T Air Defense System

Denmark has made an urgent purchase of the German medium-range IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system to swiftly enhance its air defense capabilities.

Hartpunkt reported on this.

On July 29, the German Armed Forces’ Procurement Office (BAAINBw) signed the contract with Diehl Defence on behalf of Denmark.

The system is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, though the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.

This purchase is part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a collaborative European air defense program launched by Germany in 2022.

According to BAAINBw, joint procurement of air defense missile systems not only improves operational interoperability but also reduces acquisition and operating costs by increasing the number of systems ordered, as maintenance and logistics are managed collectively.

Recently, Denmark also signed a contract with the French company MBDA France for the delivery of the VL MICA air defense system.

This agreement is part of Denmark’s initial ground-based air defense capability buildup program.

Denmark is also preparing to operate the NASAMS air defense system leased from Norway, which is another component of this air defense modernization phase.

Militarnyi previously reported that Denmark announced the urgent purchase of three types of short-range air defense systems to strengthen national security and fulfill its obligations to NATO.

IRIS-T SLM

The IRIS-T SLM is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. It is capable of engaging aerial targets at distances of up to 40 km.

The system has proven its effectiveness in intercepting airborne threats in Ukraine, prompting many European countries to place orders for it.