German Deputy Chancellor’s Kyiv Visit Signals Support on IRIS-T Deliveries

German Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck visited Kyiv on April 18, engaging in discussions with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking Ukrainian officials.

This marks Habeck’s second visit to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war. He emphasized that his presence underscores Germany’s enduring commitment to Ukraine, emphasizing that support is not temporary but a lasting pledge.

Accompanied by a business delegation, including Helmut Rauch, head of Germany’s Diehl Defense company which produces IRIS-T air defense systems, Habeck reiterated Germany’s commitment to supplying Ukraine with IRIS-T.

In a report for the German magazine Bild, Rauch said: “Three of our systems are already in Ukraine, and more will be delivered this year. The next one is just a few weeks away.”

As Russia escalates its attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, Kyiv has been urging its allies for additional air defense support, such as Patriot or IRIS-T systems. Germany recently announced the forthcoming delivery of an additional Patriot system to Ukraine.