Germany bolsters Ukraine's defences with advanced IRIS-T system
German authorities have found an additional IRIS-T air defence system for Ukraine. It is one of the most effective weapons of its kind, sometimes referred to as the "monster from Germany." It has already proven its quality during the ongoing conflict. Let's explore its capabilities more closely.
The Ukrainians claim that, in some instances, the IRIS-T SLM system has achieved a 100 per cent success rate in intercepting targets. This remarkable effectiveness applies to manoeuvring missiles, but the IRIS-T SLM is adept at engaging various enemy threats. Consequently, alongside the American Patriot systems, it ranks among the most coveted weapons by the Ukrainians, who have been seeking them from Western allies.
Effective air defence system
The IRIS-T is a German anti-aircraft system that utilizes IRIS-T air-to-air missiles. These were developed during the 1990s as successors to the AIM-9 Sidewinder. They feature thrust vectoring technology, which, when combined with large control surfaces, results in excellent manoeuvrability alongside advanced thermal guidance. This is facilitated by the use of a fourth-generation IR sensor designed to be resilient against electronic warfare systems.
Diehl Defence has created several variants of this system—IRIS-T SLX (long-range), IRIS-T SLM (medium-range), and IRIS-T SLS (short-range). They are designed to neutralize manoeuvring, ballistic missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and uncrewed aerial vehicles. The launchers differ in both the chassis they are mounted on and their range.
IRIS-T air defence system for Ukraine
This time, Germany is likely preparing another variant of the IRIS-T SLM for Ukraine. This version features a wheeled chassis (MAN 8×8) and contains eight missile canisters, which, after launch, can reach speeds of up to Mach 3 (about 1,400 miles per hour or 2,300 kilometres per hour). They can engage targets around 40 kilometres away and at altitudes of up to roughly 19 kilometres.
Martin Jaeger, the German Ambassador to Ukraine, has revealed that the assistance discussed is expected to arrive in May. He further highlighted that Germany is continuing its efforts to provide Ukraine with additional air defence systems, with deliveries anticipated to continue into 2025 and 2026. Earlier, Berlin had announced widespread searches for Patriot systems for Ukraine.
