Ukraine Receives New Air Defense Systems from Germany: Anticipating Additional IRIS-T Deployments
According to the Ukrainian ambassador in Germany, Oleksiy Makeyev, Ukraine is set to receive another 11 advanced air defense systems IRIS-T, marking a significant upgrade to its existing military capabilities.
Overall, Germany has ordered 18 such systems, of which 7 have been delivered so far.
The remaining units are expected to arrive shortly, the diplomat confirmed.
Each system comprises three medium-range SLM launchers and two short-range SLS launchers, offering broad protection coverage.
Makeyev also discussed ongoing negotiations regarding Patriot missile systems, highlighting that the number of units Ukraine will receive depends on the support of its European partners.
When asked about US-based systems, the ambassador stated that Ukraine aims to obtain at least 10 large complexes, as the current need surpasses existing supplies.
He mentioned that European countries interested in assisting Ukraine are coordinating efforts to possibly exchange existing systems earlier or fund new production.
Since the current German government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz took office, Germany has ceased public disclosures about new arms shipments to Ukraine, complicating transparency.
The background of these developments includes unofficial reports about potential deliveries of IRIS-T systems, which Ukraine considers vital for its defense.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently announced additional military aid worth €1.9 billion, underscoring Europe's increasing support for Ukraine's defense efforts.
More details can be found in the interview with the ambassador, who emphasizes Ukraine’s capacity to propose its own military assistance initiatives to its partners.