The Slovenian Ministry of Defence has signed a new contract for the procurement of two additional IRIS-T SLM medium-range ground-based air defense missile system fire units. The agreement was concluded in July
under the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) framework, with the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signing on behalf of Slovenia, exercising official power of attorney from the Republic of Slovenia. This follow-up order represents the first of its kind under the ESSI contractual structure and highlights Slovenia’s strengthened commitment to enhancing NATO-compatible air defense capabilities through joint procurement.
The IRIS-T SLM is a German medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft drones and cruise missiles at ranges up to 40 km and altitudes of 20 km with full 360-degree coverage and high precision targeting.
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) is a multinational cooperative program launched by Germany in 2022 to build a layered and interoperable air and missile defense network across Europe. With 24 participating countries, ESSI aims to strengthen NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence posture by streamlining procurement, training, logistics, and operational compatibility among allied nations. The initiative enables smaller and medium-sized countries to jointly acquire high-performance systems like IRIS-T SLM, achieving faster delivery schedules and improved defense integration.
This latest acquisition expands upon Slovenia’s initial procurement of one IRIS-T SLM fire unit signed in January 2024, which made the country one of the early adopters of the ESSI framework. That initial contract, valued at approximately €146.82 million, included a complete operational fire unit composed of a multifunctional 3D AESA radar, a tactical operations center, four vertical-launch missile trucks equipped with IRIS-T SL missiles, and a comprehensive support package encompassing spare parts, mobile workshop, and reloading vehicles. With delivery scheduled for 2027, the system will provide Slovenia with its first-ever medium-range air defense capability, elevating its national defense architecture to meet current and future aerial threats.
The newly signed contract brings the total number of IRIS-T SLM fire units ordered by Slovenia to three. The two additional units will include their own radars, operations centers, missile launchers, and guided IRIS-T SLM missiles, as well as logistical elements such as reloading systems, maintenance tools, and mobile support assets. Deliveries of these additional systems are expected to begin in 2028. Diehl Defence emphasized that this contract marks not only a major industrial milestone but also reinforces the excellent cooperation between its team and the Slovenian Ministry of Defence. It also illustrates how the ESSI framework enables rapid procurement and delivery by streamlining processes among participating nations.
The IRIS-T SLM is an advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed by the German Company Diehl Defence to defend against a wide range of airborne threats, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. It features the IRIS-T SL missile, an evolved variant of the well-established IRIS-T air-to-air missile, optimized for ground-based launch with enhanced range and altitude performance. The missile is equipped with GPS-aided inertial navigation, a two-way datalink, and an imaging infrared seeker that enables highly accurate target engagement. The system offers 360-degree coverage, multi-target engagement capability, and exceptional tactical mobility. Designed for rapid deployment with minimal personnel, the IRIS-T SLM is particularly well suited to the air defense needs of mobile, high-readiness forces in NATO-aligned countries.
The IRIS-T SLM system has already proven itself in operational use, particularly in Ukraine, where it has achieved remarkable combat performance under real battlefield conditions. According to operational feedback, the system maintained a very high interception rate, even during saturation attacks involving more than 15 simultaneous aerial targets. Its ability to provide layered defense in coordination with other NATO assets has drawn significant international interest and contributed to its rapid adoption across Europe. As of August 2025, the IRIS-T family has been adopted by 21 user nations, covering both air-to-air and ground-based applications.
Slovenia’s decision to proceed with a follow-up procurement underlines its strategic vision to modernize its air defense while taking full advantage of the ESSI's cooperative benefits. The European Sky Shield Initiative enables participating countries to pool resources, standardize defense solutions, and integrate their forces more effectively within the NATO command structure. Slovenia’s lead in executing both initial and follow-up procurements sets a benchmark within the ESSI community and signals its intent to contribute meaningfully to collective European security.
By securing three German-made IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems, Slovenia positions itself among the most capable medium-sized European nations in terms of air defense readiness. This procurement not only fortifies Slovenia’s sovereign defense capabilities but also strengthens NATO’s eastern flank and supports broader European efforts to counter advanced aerial threats in a rapidly evolving strategic environment.
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