Germany will deliver the sixth planned IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine by the end of this year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week.
Also discussed was next year’s supply of air defense systems to Ukraine from Germany.
“During the conversation, the leaders focused on other efforts needed to ensure the best possible defense and political support for Ukraine; they also coordinated joint steps for the near future,” a press release from the President of Ukraine office stated.
“In particular, they agreed that the Ramstein format should be maintained.”
Seventeen More Systems Ordered
Earlier this year, Berlin ordered an additional 17 IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine, Bloomberg reported in September, citing Scholz.
Kyiv is expected to receive the systems — 12 medium-range and 12 short-range variants — by 2026.
To meet rising global demand, IRIS-T manufacturer Diehl Defence announced in June it would double the system’s yearly production from next year.
The Bulgarian Parliament ratified a government proposal in August to acquire the system in phases while Lithuania is considering buying the system.
IRIS-T Air Defense System
The IRIS-T SLM is the medium range variant of the IRIS-T family of air defense systems.
It is designed to provide 360-degree protection against a range of air threats, such as fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
Each system comprises a missile launcher, radar, and fire-control radar, with integrated logistics and support.
The missile uses infrared imaging to identify targets, has a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles), and an altitude of 20 kilometers (12.5 miles). Its radar detection range is 250 kilometers (155 miles).