Germany Fast-Tracks Nearly 50 IRIS-T Missiles to Ukraine From Production

Germany will urgently supply Ukraine with additional guided missiles for its IRIS-T air defense systems to counter Russian attacks, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Ramstein, as reported by German media outlet n-tv.de on January 9.

“These missiles, originally intended for the Bundeswehr, are now being redirected directly from production to Ukraine,” Pistorius stated.

“We are delivering to Ukraine first before replenishing our own stocks,” the minister added.

“Germany continues to provide Ukraine with reliable and substantial support. The previously announced six IRIS-T systems will be delivered in 2025. In addition, Germany will provide almost 50 guided missiles for the IRIS-T systems,” the German Defense Ministry quoted Pistorius.

Earlier, the German defense company Rheinmetall secured a contract to supply Ukraine with an additional 180,000 35mm HEI-T (high-explosive incendiary with tracer) rounds for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.