Germany has transferred the ninth IRIS-T air defense missile system to Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
“IRIS-T is a modern air defense missile system. It is manufactured by the German company Diehl Defense. The system is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles,” the ministry’s press service said in a statement.
It is noted that the high-tech IRIS-T missiles can maneuver quickly, hit targets both on head-on courses and during pursuit, and have highly sensitive infrared homing heads. They are capable of hitting modern aircraft, overcoming their defense systems, and distinguishing real targets from false ones.
Currently, two types of IRIS-T systems are in use: SLS – short range, range up to 12 km, altitude up to 8 km, and SLM – medium range, range up to 40 km, altitude up to 20 km.
The IRIS-T system can be integrated into Ukraine’s unified air defense system, where it works in conjunction with other air defense and missile defense systems.
