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.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says that Germany will soon provide Ukraine with the third Patriot system, IRIS-T and Gepard missiles, rockets and ammunition.
“Ukraine’s most important need today is ammunition and weapons, especially air defense. Therefore, in the coming weeks and months, we will supply Ukraine with the third Patriot system, IRIS-T, Cheetahs, missiles and ammunition,” he said at a conference on Ukraine’s recovery on Tuesday.
According to him, since February 24, 2022, Germany has provided Ukraine with 30 billion euros in military aid, as well as billions in humanitarian aid.
“I would like to address all those present and ask you to support our initiative to increase the capacity of the Ukrainian air defense with everything you can,” Scholz urged.
AMMUNITION, GERMANY, Iris-T, missiles, Patriot, SCHOLZ, гепард
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the transfer of another Iris-T air defense system to Ukraine, the German defense ministry’s social network X reported on Friday.
“We have once again delivered to Ukraine a combined fire unit consisting of the IRIS T SLM and IRIS T SLS, a modern and well-proven medium and short-range air defense system, directly from the German industry,” Pistorius said.
He noted that the new air defense system will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense along with the recently delivered Patriot system.
