Sweden has announced the purchase of seven IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense units from Germany for $1 billion, as part of its participation in the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).

Launched in 2022, ESSI now includes 24 member countries and aims to create a multi-layered air defense system across Europe. The planned structure includes:
• Short range: Skyranger 30
• Medium range: Primarily IRIS-T SLM
• Long range: MIM-104 Patriot
• Very long range (exoatmospheric): Arrow 3