Stockholm: Sweden has launched a major procurement to bolster air defence capabilities in the Baltic Sea region. The initiative includes medium- and short-range missile systems, radars, command infrastructure and vehicle platforms.
Kicking off the effort, a German authority signed an agreement with the German company Diehl for the procurement of seven medium-range air defence systems (fire units) in the form of IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium-range) on behalf of Sweden. The deal is secured through the European Sky Shield Initiative, and was announced at a press brief by the Swedish government.
The procurement is for the Swedish army brigades and for the battle group on Gotland to “better defend the military forces we have,” Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said.
The contract is worth around SEK 9 billion ($900 million) and was presented on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, which is of great strategic importance to Sweden and NATO. Gotland plays a vital role in countering Russia’s A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) strategy in the Baltic Sea.
Less than 300 kilometres from Gotland lies the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, home to Russian dual-capable Iskander and Kalibr missiles and the Baltiysk naval base with its submarines and surface combatants.
Kristersson cited IRIS-T’s success in Ukraine as one reason for the acquisition, “one of many lessons we are bringing home from everything we have seen and done in Ukraine.” In addition to Ukraine, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria also have the system.
“Each IRIS-T SLM air defence system consists of vehicles with multifunction radar, command and control systems for airspace surveillance and targeting, two launchers with missiles, and support elements with vehicles for reloading, reserve parts and maintenance. The order comprises a total of 49 vehicles,” the Swedish government said in its announcement.
The first deliveries to the Swedish Armed Forces are slated for mid-2028, with full completion expected by 2030. The same basic missile technology is currently found in Sweden’s Gripen fighter jets, “but now in a completely different version, a medium-range version with a different purpose.” Kristersson said.
The German-led European Sky Shield Initiative seeks to create a multi-layered air defence network across Europe, to enhance NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence. The IRIS-T SLM serves as the primary medium-range system in ESSI, complemented by the US-developed Patriot and Israeli-designed Arrow 3 for long-range missile defence, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Sweden had Patriot missile defence systems delivered in 2021 and 2022, with PAC-2 and PAC-3. The current plan also includes further strengthening of Sweden’s air defence capabilities. This applies to maritime assets as well, like the Visby corvettes and the new upcoming Luleå class.
“It is by no means a final endpoint. Rather, more will need to be done.” Minister of Defence Pål Jonson said.
Two weeks ago, NATO-chief Mark Rutte underscored the urgent need for a 400 percent boost in NATO’s air defence capacity, highlighting its vital role in enhancing deterrence and defence capabilities.
