Latvia’s Ministry of Defence has awarded Diehl Defence a $649.7 million purchase order to acquire the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system from the German manufacturer.
A framework agreement signed by Latvia and Estonia with Diehl Defence in September supports the arms procurement, the company said.
Under the deal, Latvia will also receive the equipment needed for the IRIS-T SLM system’s efficient operation.
According to Diehl Defence, the country will start training its personnel and improve its infrastructure to prepare for the air defense systems’ scheduled start of delivery in 2026.
IRIS-T SLM enables operating countries to counter threats from enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and drones.
The system, consisting of a missile launcher, radar and tactical operations center, boasts a range of up to 40 kilometers and an altitude of up to 20 km. Its supporting elements include workshops, spare parts and reloading vehicles.
The Ukrainian military attests to the IRIS-T SLM system’s performance, saying that IRIS-T batteries deployed on the battlefield are effective in protecting the country’s population centers.