Breaking News: Switzerland joins European Sky Shield to acquire German IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems.

According to information published by the Swiss Government on July 3, 2025, Switzerland has officially taken a decisive step in bolstering its national air defense capabilities by signing a programme agreement with Germany for the cooperative procurement of IRIS-T SLM medium-range ground-based air defense (GBAD MR) systems. The agreement, signed by Swiss Armaments Director Urs Loher and German National Armaments Director Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, is a cornerstone element within the framework of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The Swiss Federal Council had approved the agreement on June 20, 2025, clearing the way for future procurement contracts that will strengthen the country’s defensive posture through multinational cooperation and interoperability.
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German-made Diehl Defence IRIS-T SLM air defense battery, featuring a launcher unit and multifunction radar, in operational deployment configuration. (Picture source: German Armed Forces)

Switzerland’s decision to join the cooperative ESSI (European Sky Shield Initiative) procurement effort enables it to benefit from economies of scale and shared technical standards with European partner nations, which enhances cost-efficiency and system integration. The procurement involves five IRIS-T SLM GBAD MR systems developed by the German defense firm Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG. With negotiations between armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office for Defence Procurement, and the manufacturer nearing conclusion, the contract is expected to be signed during summer 2025. A guarantee credit of 660 million Swiss Francs was previously allocated to this acquisition in the 2024 armament programme, demonstrating Switzerland’s strategic commitment to modernizing its air defense network.

The IRIS-T SLM system offers medium-range air defense capabilities that are essential for defending against long-range aerial threats, including cruise missiles and stand-off munitions. Its role within an Integrated Air Defence (IAD) structure is to provide effective coverage at various altitudes and distances, enhancing Switzerland’s capacity to maintain air sovereignty and neutralize airborne threats before they reach critical targets. The GBAD MR (Ground-Based Air Defense) capability will significantly reinforce the layered defense structure that already includes long-range systems such as the Patriot missile system, while also addressing limitations of existing short-range assets like the Stinger and medium anti-aircraft artillery systems, which are increasingly obsolete in the face of modern airstrike doctrines that employ high-altitude, long-range engagement profiles.

The IRIS-T SLM air defense missile system, developed by German Company Diehl Defence, is a highly advanced medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed to counter a wide array of aerial threats. It features a vertical launch capability, providing 360-degree coverage, and is capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 40 kilometers and altitudes up to 20 kilometers. The missile utilizes a combination of inertial navigation, GPS, and data-link guidance during the midcourse phase, transitioning to an imaging infrared seeker for terminal homing, ensuring high precision and resistance to electronic countermeasures. The system's modular design allows for integration with various radar and command systems, enhancing its adaptability to different operational requirements.

Operational experience has demonstrated the IRIS-T SLM's effectiveness in combat scenarios. In Ukraine, the system has been employed to protect critical infrastructure against a range of aerial threats, including cruise missiles and drones. Reports indicate a high success rate in intercepting incoming targets, showcasing the system's reliability and performance under real-world conditions. This combat-proven capability has influenced other nations' decisions to procure the system, recognizing its value in modern integrated air defense networks.

The cooperative nature of the ESSI procurement is fully compatible with Switzerland’s obligations under international neutrality law. While the acquisition is coordinated through the German Federal Ministry of Defence, there is no requirement for Switzerland to integrate its systems into the NATO or German command structures. Switzerland retains complete sovereignty over the deployment and operation of its IRIS-T SLM systems, maintaining full autonomy in defense decision-making.

Launched by Germany in 2022, the European Sky Shield Initiative seeks to enhance continental air defense through joint procurement, logistical integration, and operational standardization among European nations. Switzerland formally joined the ESSI in October 2024, recognizing the strategic advantages of harmonized air defense procurement and collaboration. The initiative also aims to improve training, maintenance, and logistics interoperability among member states, fostering a more unified and resilient European defense framework.

Through its participation in ESSI (European Sky Shield Initiative) and the GBAD MR (Ground-Based Air Defense) project, Switzerland not only strengthens its national security but also contributes to a more cohesive and responsive European defense architecture. This move reflects the goals of the Federal Council’s Armament Policy Strategy, emphasizing cooperative security efforts while safeguarding Swiss neutrality and operational independence.