Estonia received its first IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system at Ämari Air Base on June 22, 2026. The IRIS-T SLM system, procured by the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments from the German defence company Diehl Defence, expands Estonia’s ability to engage aerial threats at greater distances and higher altitudes than its existing short-range air defense systems. The IRIS-T SLM acquisition is the largest defense investment in Estonia's history, according to thedefensenews.com. The war in Ukraine is cited as evidence of the importance of robust air defense systems, according to kyivindependent.com. Brigadier General Riivo Valge, commander of the Estonian Air Force, said the arrival of the IRIS-T SLM is an important moment for the Defence Forces and the Air Force, and that it may take months to train operators and bring the system to the field, but it represents a significant qualitative leap in air defense capabilities, according to estonianworld.com. The IRIS-T SLM procurement is part of a joint acquisition program with Latvia, according to thedefensenews.com.