IRIA News

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Switzerland has entered the final stages of negotiations to purchase four or five IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense systems from Germany’s Diehl Defense, marking a significant step toward strengthening its aerial defense capabilities.

The announcement was made by the Swiss defense procurement agency, Armasuisse, which confirmed that contract signing is expected in the third quarter of 2025.

The procurement is part of the broader European Sky Shield Initiative, a multinational European effort aimed at enhancing air defense coordination and capabilities across the continent. Switzerland joined the initiative in October as its 15th member, signaling a deeper commitment to collective defense in response to escalating security threats in the region.

Swiss lawmakers had previously approved a credit guarantee of around $809 million under the 2024 armament program for medium-range air defense. This financial backing paved the way for the current procurement plans and reflects a growing consensus within the Swiss government on the importance of airspace protection.

In its official statement, Armasuisse emphasized the importance of the upcoming systems, saying, “The future ground-based air defense will contribute to the impact of maintaining air sovereignty and air defense as well as protecting against attacks with long-range weapons.”

The air defense systems will be integrated into Switzerland’s broader airspace protection infrastructure, providing layered and resilient defense coverage.

Switzerland’s decision to move forward with the IRIS-T SLM system comes amid heightened European awareness of aerial threats, particularly considering Russia’s continued missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The situation has prompted many European countries to reassess and upgrade their air defense capabilities, especially when it comes to protecting both civilian and military infrastructure from long-range and precision-guided threats.

As part of the procurement process, Armasuisse conducted performance evaluations of Hensoldt’s TRML-4D radar system between March 31 and April 11. These tests were conducted in collaboration with Diehl Defense and Hensoldt to ensure the system’s effectiveness in the unique topographical conditions of Switzerland.

Switzerland’s mountainous terrain poses distinct challenges for air defense, with about 70% of its land area covered by mountains and nearly a quarter consisting of peaks over 2,000 meters (6,562 feet) in altitude.

In this context, the radar tests involved detecting a variety of aircraft, including the PC-12, F/A-18 fighter jets, and helicopters. The evaluations also included checks for frequency compatibility with existing civilian systems, such as weather radar.

The TRML-4D radar, known for its high performance in tracking multiple airborne targets simultaneously, plays a crucial role in the IRIS-T SLM system by providing early detection and guidance capabilities. Its ability to operate effectively in complex terrain and variable weather conditions is critical for ensuring the success of Switzerland’s air defense strategy.

By participating in the European Sky Shield Initiative, Switzerland is aligning its defense policy more closely with neighboring European countries. Although the country maintains its traditional neutrality, this procurement and participation in multilateral defense programs highlight its acknowledgment of evolving security dynamics.

Initially, Switzerland’s involvement in the Sky Shield Initiative will focus on medium-range air defense. However, Armasuisse has indicated that further collaboration on both shorter- and longer-range systems is expected in the future, potentially opening the door to more comprehensive cooperation across multiple layers of air defense.

The IRIS-T SLM system, developed by Diehl Defence, is a modern, mobile surface-to-air missile system designed to defend against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. It has been successfully deployed by several European nations and has received positive reviews for its agility, precision, and ease of integration with different radar and command systems.

As the geopolitical environment continues to evolve and threats to national and regional security become more diverse and unpredictable, Switzerland’s steps to modernize its air defense architecture reflect a strategic shift toward readiness, resilience, and interoperability.

The finalized contract, expected by late 2025, will not only enhance Switzerland’s national defense but also reinforce its role as a contributor to Europe’s collective security framework. With procurement entering its final stages, Switzerland is set to join the growing list of European countries adopting modern air defense solutions in response to the changing face of warfare.