Cooperation between the BAAINBw and the Danish Ministry of Defence

In its procurement process for an interim solution in the area of ground-based air and missile defence (SBAMD), the Danish Ministry of Defence has opted for the IRIS-T SLM system from Diehl Defence. Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, and Ralph Herzog, Vice President of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), signed the contracts for the procurement of a fire unit of the IRIS-T SLM ground-based air defence system for Denmark on 29 July. The Danish Defence Procurement and Logistics Organisation (DALO) had previously authorised the BAAINBw to do so. The IRIS-T SLM system will protect the civilian population, the armed forces and critical infrastructure from threats from the air, thereby closing a capability gap in Denmark.

This procurement also takes place via the 'European Sky Shield Initiative' standard contractwhich enables an accelerated and unbureaucratic process. After Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Sweden and Switzerland, Denmark is the eighth ESSI customer to opt for this solution. This enables joint exercises and training as well as cooperation in the areas of maintenance and logistics. As the missiles are produced in Germany, there is a high level of security of supply. In its press release, Diehl describes the European supply chain as a "strategic advantage that is extremely important, especially in times of geopolitical conflict."

The IRIS-T SLM system is designed to combat aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones at a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of 20 km. An IRIS-T SLM fire unit consists of the launcher, radar and command post components. It is supplemented by support elements such as workshop, spare parts and reloading vehicles. The system is characterised by 360° coverage, mobility and multi-target engagement. The IRIS-T family now comprises 21 user countries.