Germany has already transferred nine IRIS-T-air defense systems to Ukraine, the Ukrainian portal revealed Militarnyi.
This information was announced by Germany’s new ambassador to Ukraine, Haiko Thomsin an interview with Suspenseful. “As far as I know, more are expected IRIS-Tsystems will be delivered soon,” he said. Currently, Germany is Ukraine’s largest partner in air defense systems.
The basis of the system is IRIS-T– the missile, produced by the German company Diehl Defencewhich has an infrared control system modernized for ground-based launch. Thanks to this system, the target is captured in the last phase of the flight.
IRIS-T SLM-the missiles are capable of hitting targets at distances of up to 40 km, while SLS– version can hit targets at distances of up to 12 km.
Although Thoms acknowledges that this aid remains insufficient, he recalled that Germany also transferred two additional Patriotsystems to Ukraine towards the end of 2025 and continues to supply ammunition for air defense systems.
“I know this is still not enough. As I have already said, I also live here and understand the situation, I know the reality. But we are doing everything we can and are making every effort to support Ukraine,” the ambassador continued.
However, despite Thoms’ statement, Germany’s Minister of Defense stressed, Boris Pistoriusrecently that Berlin could no longer transfer Patriot-systems from its own stockpiles to Ukraine, as the country had already transferred more than a third of its existing arsenal.
This contribution from Germany was described by Pistorius as “disproportionately large” compared to other allies. After the transfer of two Patriot-systems and IRIS-Tsystems, the minister stated in December that he planned to deliver AIM-9 Sidewinder-missiles to Ukraine.
Photo: Diehl Defense. This content has been created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editors.
