Nine and Counting: Germany Delivers Another IRIS-T to Shield Ukraine From Missiles

Ukraine continues to strengthen its air defense network with international support, as Germany has delivered a ninth IRIS-T surface-to-air missile system, according to ArmyInform on December 26.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense noted that IRIS-T is a modern German-made air defense system developed by Diehl Defense and designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.

The high-tech IRIS-T missiles are capable of aggressive maneuvering and can engage targets both head-on and in pursuit. They are equipped with highly sensitive infrared homing seekers, allowing them to distinguish real aerial threats from decoys and overcome modern aircraft countermeasures.

Ukraine currently operates two variants of the IRIS-T system, IRIS-T SLS, a short-range version with an engagement range of up to 12 kilometers and an altitude of up to 8 kilometers.

And IRIS-T SLM, a medium-range variant capable of striking targets at distances of up to 40 kilometers and altitudes of up to 20 kilometers.

Both variants are integrated into Ukraine’s unified air defense network and operate in coordination with other air and missile defense assets.

The Ministry of Defense also recalled that on December 17, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced the signing of new agreements with German partners worth more than €1.2 billion.

Under arrangements reached by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany has committed to allocating €11.5 billion in support for Ukraine in 2026, further reinforcing Kyiv’s long-term defense capabilities.

Earlier, reports emerged that the newly deployed German IRIS-T SLM air defense system in Ukraine has already demonstrated operational success by intercepting Russian cruise missiles and drones.

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