Why the German IRIS-T Air Defense System Is Critical for Ukraine

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and German defense company Diehl Defence—manufacturer of the IRIS-T system—announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on March 9 to increase deliveries of these air defense complexes.

The free world stands with us, and together we are creating new opportunities to strengthen our defense.

Rustem Umerov

Ukrainian Defense Minister

The IRIS-T systems have already demonstrated their effectiveness as a crucial part of Ukraine's air defense shield. The memorandum anticipates a threefold increase in the supply of missiles and air defense systems, said Umerov. 

Ukraine and Germany had already discussed accelerating IRIS-T deliveries during a meeting on March 7 between Umerov and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The talks prioritized air defense, as Russia’s relentless aerial assaults make systems like the IRIS-T essential for protecting Ukrainian cities.

Germany is one of the main suppliers of air defense and surface-to-air missile systems for Ukraine, having delivered six IRIS-T air defense systems in the mid-range SLM and short-range SLS versions including 658 IRIS-T missiles so far, the German Defense Ministry confirmed for the first time in February 2025. 

The IRIS-T system was first spotted in Ukraine in January 2023, although reports suggest it had arrived even earlier, according to Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express.

What is the IRIS-T defense system?

IRIS-T is a medium-range anti-aircraft missile system developed by Diehl Defence in 2014 and designed to destroy cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The IRIS-T has allowed Ukrainian forces to protect critical and civilian infrastructure from persistent Russian aerial bombardments. 

The IRIS-T reconnaissance station can detect targets up to 250km away. Its sophisticated radar homing and infrared guidance technology accurately engages a wide variety of aerial threats.

There are two installations of the system used in Ukraine: SLM is medium-range, and SLS is short-range. The IRIS-T SLM variant is designed to intercept cruise missiles, aircraft, and ballistic missiles. The IRIS-T SLS is particularly effective in intercepting low-flying threats, such as drones and short-range missiles. 

How effective is the IRIS-T defense system in Ukraine?

The IRIS-T system has repeatedly proven its reliability and pivotal role as a component of Ukraine’s defense network by persistently countering Russian aerial threats. 

In an interview with Army TV  published on March 14, 2025, the West Air Command highlighted the exceptional performance and high efficiency of the German IRIS-T defense complex. The commander of Ukraine’s separate anti-aircraft missile division, Oleksandr, says its crew shoots down 99% of all Russian air targets, Army TV reported. The head of the IRIS-T SAM service, Dmytro, says that one of their launchers has destroyed more than 30 targets alone.

The Ukrainian soldiers noted that their air defense unit successfully destroyed 15 Russian cruise missiles in a single attack with the IRIS-T air defense system.

The West Air Command shared a video on Facebook on March 12, showing Ukraine’s IRIS-T system neutralizing a Russian cruise missile. The IRIS-T missile is launched from its platform, striking and eliminating the cruise missile, preventing it from reaching Ukraine and striking Ukraine’s infrastructure.

This interception is one of many that highlights the crucial role of Western-supplied air defense systems in protecting Ukrainian airspace against ongoing Russian missile attacks.

As the war continues, Ukraine continues to fight for peace across the nation. In the meantime, the IRIS-T air-defense system remains a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense strategy, and with the signing of the March memorandum, Ukraine will likely soon be bolstered with more of the successful complex.