Germany officially confirms the transfer of another IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine
The German government has officially confirmed that it has transferred another IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that together with the recently delivered Patriot system, IRIS-T should strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
“We have once again handed over to Ukraine the IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS combined fire system, a state-of-the-art and proven medium- and short-range air defense system, which is produced directly by the German industry,” – said Borys Pistorius.
The Minister emphasized that Russian air strikes continue to destroy Ukrainian critical infrastructure and kill people.
“Together with the newly delivered Patriot system, we are strengthening Ukraine’s air defense in its fight against Russia’s brutal war of aggression that violates international law,” Pistorius added.
Thus, together with this system, Ukraine will have five medium- and short-range IRIS-T systems.
These German systems have proven to be highly effective in protecting large Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure from air attacks.
In mid-May, the German ambassador to Ukraine said that another IRIS-T should be delivered by the end of the month. In total, Germany has promised Ukraine nine IRIS-T SLMs and eleven IRIS-T SLSs.
At the same time, Canada will finance the purchase of anti-aircraft missiles for the IRIS-T air defense systems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Canadian government has allocated about 52 million euros to be spent on the purchase of anti-aircraft missiles needed to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
As a reminder, Diehl Defense is the prime contractor and system integrator of the IRIS-T SLM, and is responsible for the supply of the launcher and missiles. Germany’s Hensoldt is responsible for the TRML-4D multifunctional radar.
Spanish SENER Aeroespacial also participates in the IRIS-T programs. The company produces control sections and wings for IRIS-T air-to-air missiles and develops control sections for IRIS-T SL surface-to-air missiles.
