On November 30, a significant milestone was reached as the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Latvia and the renowned German company "Diehl Defence" formalized a substantial purchase agreement for the state-of-the-art IRIS-T medium-range air defence system. This landmark initiative, valued at around 600 million euros, signifies Latvia's commitment to reinforcing its national security.
This purchase agreement is not just a transaction; it signifies Latvia's dedication to strengthening its defensive capabilities through the acquisition of the advanced IRIS-T system. This substantial investment ensures the delivery of all necessary equipment, setting the stage for the efficient operation of IRIS-T systems and the establishment of a resilient, layered air defence infrastructure in Latvia.
The delivery of the medium-range air defence systems is slated to commence in 2026, prompting Latvia to initiate a comprehensive readiness plan. This includes personnel training, infrastructure upgrades, and meeting essential prerequisites to ensure the National Armed Forces are fully equipped and prepared to operate and maintain the IRIS-T systems upon delivery.
In a collaborative effort, Latvia and Estonia solidified their commitment to purchasing the IRIS-T medium-range air defence system from Diehl Defence by signing a framework agreement in September. This strategic partnership significantly contributes to Latvia's broader objective of establishing a multi-layered air defence system, not only safeguarding ground assets but also providing mutual protection for regional security.
The IRIS-T air defence system boasts remarkable capabilities, with the ability to neutralize enemy aircraft and drones within a significant radius of up to 40 kilometres and altitudes of up to 20 kilometres. Often referred to as AIM-2000, this medium-range infrared homing air-to-air missile represents a technological leap forward, developed in the late 1990s–early 2000s to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder.
The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the Russian invasion of Ukraine, has heightened the demand for IRIS-T systems and missiles. In response, Diehl Defence plans to increase production, aiming to deliver three to four systems in 2024 and at least eight in 2025. Missile production is set to surge to 400 to 500 per year starting in 2024, underscoring the critical role of the IRIS-T in contemporary defence strategies.
The IRIS-T program's objective, aligned with NATO standards, ensures compatibility with any aircraft capable of firing the Sidewinder, underscoring its versatility and adaptability. The air-to-air variant has been operational since 2005, while surface-to-air defence systems variants, including the short-range IRIS-T SLS (fielded in 2015) and the medium-range IRIS-T SLM (fielded in 2022), demonstrate the system's continuous evolution and effectiveness.
The article concludes with a comprehensive overview of an IRIS-T SLM battery's composition, emphasizing its capability to counter surface-to-air missiles and cruise missiles. This includes three truck-mounted launchers carrying eight missiles each, with an impressive range of 40 kilometres or 25 miles. The accompanying command vehicle, positioned up to 20 kilometres away, integrates multiple radar sources, enabling the simultaneous launch and tracking of all 24 missiles.
Latvia's investment in the IRIS-T Medium-Range Air Defence System represents a pivotal development in regional security. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the procurement process, collaborative efforts with Estonia, the system's capabilities, and its role in shaping the Baltic States' defence landscape. As Latvia prepares for the delivery of these cutting-edge systems, the nation stands poised for a new era of enhanced security and preparedness in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
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Land Force