Germany to deliver 17 IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine

Germany has ordered 17 more IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced during a visit to a military base near the city of Kiel, Bloomberg reports.

“This shows that German support for Ukraine is not letting up. We have planned ahead and secured contracts and financing in a timely manner so that Ukraine can continue to fully rely on us in the future,” Scholz said.

Scholz promised that four systems would be sent to Ukraine by the end of this year, with the rest to follow next year. Kyiv had previously received seven IRIS-T systems from Berlin. The chancellor emphasized that German air defense systems have helped Ukraine shoot down over 250 Russian missiles and drones.

“The system is designed to intercept enemy aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. In the SLS version, it can intercept aerodynamic targets at a range of up to 12 kilometers and at altitudes of up to 8 kilometers,” writes Militarnyi media.

By the end of 2026, Ukraine will receive 24 IRIS-T systems from Germany – 12 medium-range and 12 short-range systems, a German government official told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.