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Germany Expands Ukraine’s “Invisible Shield”: New IRIS-T Radars to Guard the Skies by Year’s End

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Photo of Ivan Khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
The German Bundeswehr’s first IRIS‑T SLM air defense system during its operational launch at the Todendorf military base in Panker, Germany, on September 4, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)
The German Bundeswehr’s first IRIS‑T SLM air defense system during its operational launch at the Todendorf military base in Panker, Germany, on September 4, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

German defense company Hensoldt expects additional orders for its TRML-4D radar systems for Ukraine before the end of 2025, Defense Express reported on November 12. The radar is a core component of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system already deployed across Ukraine.

According to Defense Express, Hensoldt representatives disclosed during a presentation to investors that new contracts are anticipated to support Ukraine’s expanding radar network.

The company’s financial outlook indicates up to €500 million in current contracts, with future deals potentially adding “tens to hundreds of millions” of euros. Specific details—such as whether the new deliveries will be part of integrated air defense systems or standalone radars—were not disclosed.

Germany’s first IRIS‑T SLM medium‑range air defense system at the Todendorf military base in northern Germany on September 4, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)
Germany’s first IRIS‑T SLM medium‑range air defense system at the Todendorf military base in northern Germany on September 4, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

The TRML-4D radar can detect and track up to 1,500 targets at ranges of up to 250 kilometers, depending on the type of object. It supports both independent radar coverage and integration with systems such as IRIS-T SLM, which Ukraine uses to counter aerial threats.

So far, Hensoldt has been fulfilling a German government-funded order for 18 TRML-4D radars as part of the IRIS-T SLM systems, of which eight have already been delivered. Additionally, 16 units are being used separately as early warning and detection assets.

The IRIS‑T air defense missile system by Diehl Defence at the Grafenwöhr training area in Bavaria, Germany, on August 1, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)
The IRIS‑T air defense missile system by Diehl Defence at the Grafenwöhr training area in Bavaria, Germany, on August 1, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

In July 2025, Defense Express reported that Hensoldt had discussed additional radar deliveries to Ukraine, including the Spexer 2000 Mk3, which is employed in Skyranger air defense platforms. That contract was valued at €340 million.

Hensoldt plans to scale up its radar production to around 1,000 units annually by 2027, with Ukrainian orders playing a key role in its long-term growth.

As Ukraine continues to replace aging Soviet-era systems and expand its air surveillance network, the TRML-4D remains a critical component in maintaining situational awareness and protecting airspace from Russian missile and drone attacks.

Earlier in June 2025, Ukraine’s Lviv Air Defense Brigade used the German‑made IRIS‑T system for the first time, shooting down seven Russian cruise missiles in a single engagement—surpassing its previous record achieved with the Soviet‑era S‑300 system.

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