On 11 September 2023, Latvia and Estonia signed a protocol of understanding for the joint purchase of the Iris-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-range) air defense systems. This agreement comes at a critical time when the Baltic states are increasingly concerned about their security, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Designed in Germany, the Iris-T SLM is a medium-range air defense system equipped with a missile weighing 87.4 kg and having a length of 2.94 meters. One of the most remarkable features of this system is its speed, which can reach up to Mach 3. This high speed allows it to quickly respond to rapidly evolving aerial threats. The missile is fitted with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, and its guidance system is based on infrared homing.
As for its range, the Iris-T SLM can target objects up to 40 km away. This extended range makes it suitable for defense against medium and long-range aerial threats. The system is also compatible with a variety of radars and command vehicles, including the Saab Giraffe radar, the multifunctional CEA Technologies CEAFAR radar, as well as the Oerlikon Skymaster combat control system, and Terma A/S. This versatility in radar compatibility enhances its ability to integrate into various air defense scenarios.