German IRIS-T Air Defense Systems Shot Down 110 Russian Cruise Missiles, Drones in Ukraine

German firm Diehl Defense has claimed the successful interception and elimination of 110 Russian cruise missiles and drones in Ukraine by their two IRIS-T SLM air defense systems.

Diehl Defense's Chief Program Officer, Harald Buschek, informed reporters at an air base in Todendorf, northern Germany, about the IRIS-T's accomplishment in neutralizing 110 Russian targets.

The systems have demonstrated a 100% hit rate in Kyiv. Buschek said, "The Ukrainians are absolute professionals; they have a hit rate of 100% in Kyiv," according to the German publication Speigel.

Diehl intends to increase production to eight IRIS systems annually in the near future, effectively doubling the current capacity. The production of IRIS-T SL missiles is projected to grow significantly this year, double the subsequent year, and ultimately reach a quantity of 400 to 500 units by 2024.

Additionally, Diehl mentioned that Ukraine will soon receive its third IRIS-T SLM system.

Berlin has committed to providing Kyiv with an additional six IRIS-T units, with the first of these systems anticipated to arrive in October 2024 for its air force.

Germany had previously procured 200 IRIS-T SLS air defense missiles from Sweden for transfer to Ukraine. Diehl Defense is refurbishing these Swedish missiles to replace IRIS-T SLM missiles used by Ukrainian forces in defending against Russian airstrikes.

Furthermore, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense has pledged to donate converted IRIS-T air-to-air missiles to Ukraine for use in its ground-based air defense (GBAD). The specific type of missiles was not specified, but they can be launched from launchers provided by Sweden.