On April 11, 2025, the Swiss Federal Office for Defence Procurement (armasuisse) announced its intent to procure four to five IRIS-T SLM (Surface Launched Medium Range) air defense systems from the German manufacturer Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG. This acquisition is part of Switzerland’s involvement in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), a collaborative multinational effort to establish a layered, integrated air and missile defense system across Europe. The procurement will be backed by a credit guarantee of 660 million Swiss Francs, approved under the 2024 armament program, with contract signing expected in the third quarter of 2025.
A Swiss Armed Forces future asset: The IRIS-T SLM launcher system, developed by Germany’s Diehl Defence, offers 360-degree coverage and precision engagement against modern aerial threats including cruise missiles, drones, and fighter jets—enhancing Switzerland’s medium-range air defense capability.
The German-made IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system will serve as a core element of Switzerland’s Ground-Based Air Defence Medium Range (GBAD MR) project, which aims to replace aging and limited-range systems currently in service, such as the Stinger and medium anti-aircraft artillery. These legacy systems are no longer adequate to counter modern threats, as advanced combat aircraft and stand-off weapons now operate at higher altitudes and longer distances. The IRIS-T SLM will close this critical gap by enabling effective engagement of aerial threats at medium range, complementing the longer-range capabilities of the future Patriot system and contributing to a comprehensive multi-layered air defense network.