Protection from Russia
Baltic states buy German IRIS-T system
September 11, 2023, 4:45 p.m
Listen to article
This audio version was artificially generated. More info | Send feedback
In Ukraine, the two IRIS-T systems used there have a kill rate of almost 100 percent. Since Estonia and Latvia also fear attacks by the Kremlin patrol forces, they are now upgrading their anti-aircraft defenses. It is considered the weak point of the Baltic states.
Estonia and Latvia want to jointly acquire the German medium-range air defense system IRIS-T. The defense ministers of the two Baltic EU and NATO countries signed a framework agreement in Röthenbach on the purchase of the system from the manufacturer Diehl Defense. This was announced by the Latvian Ministry of Defense in Riga. No further information was given as to how many IRIS-T systems would be purchased and at what price. Accordingly, it will be the largest investment in air defense in the history of Latvia and Estonia.
Together with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Inara Murniece (Latvia) and Hanno Pevkur (Estonia) also signed a declaration of intent regarding the future participation of both countries in the Sky Shield European air defense system initiated by Germany. The Essi (European Sky Shield Initiative) project is intended to help close gaps in NATO’s protective shield for Europe and thus provide an answer to the changed security situation after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.
“It is absolutely clear that we must have no illusions about Russia. Ukraine’s experience shows the importance of a modern air defense system,” Murniece was quoted as saying in the statement. The IRIS-T system will enable “effective and comprehensive protection” in the medium-range area and is compatible with NATO systems. Not only Latvia, but the entire region will benefit from this, she said. The improved IRIS-T SLM was presented on the occasion of the signing of the framework contract with Diehl Defense in Röthenbach near Nuremberg.
Baltic states have room for improvement
Air defense is considered a weak point in the Baltic states. Estonia and Latvia border Russia, Latvia also borders its close ally Belarus. The two Baltic Sea states view the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as a direct threat to their security. They have already massively increased their military spending and are upgrading their armed forces.
According to the manufacturer, the IRIS-T SLM air defense system enables protection against attacks by aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles. Each unit consists of a radar system, command post and three truck-mounted rocket launchers. The system can fire at targets up to 20 kilometers altitude and 40 kilometers away.
According to the manufacturer, IRIS-T has already repelled more than 100 airborne attacks in Ukraine, including cruise missiles and drones. “We have an almost 100 percent kill rate, that’s what the Ukrainian military reports back to us,” said Harald Buschek, a managing director at the manufacturer Diehl Defense, recently. The federal government has so far given Ukraine two of the systems, another will be delivered “shortly” and four more should follow later, said Buschek.