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Germany Sends New IRIS-T Air Defense Launcher to Ukraine as Missile Stocks Run Low
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine has received an additional IRIS-T air defense launcher from Germany, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on May 31, as Kyiv continues to seek more interceptor missiles and air defense systems to counter ongoing Russian aerial attacks.
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According to a statement published by Zelenskyy on Telegram, the launcher arrived in Ukraine on May 30 as part of Germany’s continued military assistance to the country.
“Yesterday we received a new IRIS-T launcher. Thank you, Germany, for your constant contribution to protecting people. Thousands and thousands of lives have been saved thanks to such strong support,” Zelenskyy said.
Over this week, the Russians have launched more than 2,300 attack drones, nearly 1,560 guided aerial bombs, and 108 missiles of various types against our people. All these strikes were directed simply at ordinary civilian infrastructure – residential buildings and energy… pic.twitter.com/RYMLNQCKam
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 31, 2026
The president noted that Ukraine’s priority remains securing sufficient stocks of air defense missiles to maintain its ability to repel Russian drone and missile strikes.
“We also need missiles for air defense systems to have enough capability to repel Russian attacks,” Zelenskyy added.
According to the Ukrainian president, Russian forces launched approximately 2,300 attack drones, around 1,560 guided aerial bombs, and 108 missiles of various types against Ukraine during the past week.
IRIS-T is a German-made surface-to-air missile system produced by Diehl Defence. The system is designed to intercept aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, the Ukrainian Armed Forces operated nine IRIS-T systems as of December 2025.
Zelenskyy also highlighted recent defense cooperation agreements with Sweden, including a new military aid package that includes support for Ukraine’s aviation capabilities and Gripen-related initiatives.
He further called for continued international support through the PURL program and emphasized the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s ballistic missile defense capabilities. “Anti-ballistic protection is one of the key priorities for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy stated.
Earlier, Ukrainian defense company Firepoint announced it was participating in the international Freya project, a new air defense system intended as a lower-cost alternative to the Patriot. According to Firepoint co-founder Denys Shtilerman, the system is being designed to intercept ballistic missiles, with initial testing expected before the end of 2026.
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-e8141b9571c11f2285df586303a34c1d.jpg "Belarusian personnel during the activation ceremony of the Russian-made Oreshnik ballistic missile system in Belarus, December 2025. (Source: Russian Defense Ministry)")
