Estonia receives first IRIS-T SLM air defence systems

The Estonian Air Defence Wing received its first IRIS-T SLM systems at Ämari Air Base on 22 June. (Diehl Defence)

The Estonian Air Defence Wing received its first IRIS-T SLM (Surface-Launched Medium) range air defence fire unit at Ämari Air Base on 22 June 2026, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI) and Diehl Defence announced later the same day.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said, “IRIS-T is a medium-range air defence system that has proven itself in Ukraine, and it brings our air defence to a new level, giving us the ability to engage an adversary from significantly greater distances and altitudes than with our existing short-range systems. The war in Ukraine has clearly shown that a strong air defence is a central part of national defence, essential for protecting our people, our defence forces' units, and critical infrastructure.”

Estonian Air Force commander Brigadier General Riivo Valge said, “The greatest advantage of this launch system, which we have not had before, is its engagement altitude, which prevents the enemy from flying over us. When this system is deployed in the field, the enemy has to take it into account and find alternative trajectories, and because this system is tactically agile, the enemy has to make those decisions under time pressure, creating conditions for errors that we can exploit.” He expected it to take months to train operators and field the system.