IRIA News

Latvia and Estonia are set to receive advanced German-made radars as part of their ongoing efforts to bolster air defense capabilities under the ‘European Sky Shield Initiative’. The deal, valued at over $108 million, will see the integration of Hensoldt TRML-4D radars into the IRIS-T SLM air defense systems, supplied by Germany’s Diehl Defence.

The decision to upgrade air defenses follows a significant arms deal agreed upon by Estonia and Latvia in September, totaling over $1 billion. This investment represents a historic milestone for Latvia, marking the largest military procurement in its three decades of independence, amounting to $648 million.

The TRML-4D radars are a significant technological upgrade, capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets within a 155-mile radius. These radars can simultaneously follow approximately 1,500 targets, greatly enhancing the air surveillance capabilities of both nations. According to Hensoldt, this technology will significantly improve the response time and accuracy of air defense systems in identifying and countering potential threats.

TRML-4D capabilities

TRML-4D is Hensoldt’s latest member of the C band (NATO G band) TRS-4D radar family. It is designed to be used as a remote-controlled mobile unit for effective ground-based air defense.

• The TRML-4D uses the state-of-the-art AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology.
• With multiple, digitally formed beams and innovative electronic scanning, the TRS-4D radar systems ensure full 3D surveillance over 360 degrees.
• It is capable of detecting and tracking all types of air targets – cruise missiles, rockets, drones and aircraft – and classifying them for engagement.
• Advanced, automatically triggered ECCM (Electronic Counter-Counter-Measures) and the tracker’s high saturation level guarantee the system’s performance even during jamming.
• Excellent performance even in complex clutter environments and high target densities.
• Support of short-range and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems.
• Designed for continuous operation and high operational availability.

European Sky Shield Initiative

The European Sky Shield Initiative, launched by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in 2022, aims to fortify Europe’s air defenses, particularly against Russian and Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles. The initiative has rapidly gained traction, now including 21 participating countries. Notably, the initiative encompasses not only NATO members but also neutral nations like Austria and Switzerland.

The initiative seeks to establish a seamless air defense network stretching from the Nordic region to Turkey. This goal is being pursued through a combination of German-made IRIS-T short- and medium-range systems, American-made Patriot long-range missiles, and Israeli-made Arrow 3 exo-atmospheric interceptors. The latest announcement regarding the production of more than 80 radars underscores the significant scale and ambition of the initiative.

Despite its expanding membership, the European Sky Shield Initiative has faced some criticism, particularly from France. French officials have expressed concerns over the initiative’s reliance on non-European components, arguing for greater European self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. Italy and Spain have also opted not to join the initiative, further highlighting the differing perspectives within Europe on the best approach to collective defense.

Nevertheless, the initiative continues to grow. Poland, initially ambivalent, announced its decision to join in April, marking a significant shift in the regional defense landscape. This expansion is largely a response to the escalating security challenges posed by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The conflict has acted as a catalyst, prompting European governments to accelerate their investments in air defense infrastructure and capabilities.

The Baltic states, given their geographical proximity to Russia, were among the early adopters of the European Sky Shield Initiative. In October 2022, they signed a joint declaration with 12 other nations, committing to enhance their air defense cooperation. This proactive stance underscores the heightened sense of urgency among Baltic nations to safeguard their airspace amidst growing regional tensions.

The latest development not only strengthens the defense capabilities of the Baltic nations but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a cohesive and robust air defense network across Europe. As regional security dynamics continue to evolve, such collaborative efforts are crucial in ensuring the continent’s preparedness against potential threats.