Germany to Deliver 2 Additional IRIS-T Air Defense Systems to Ukraine before Christmas

Germany plans to supply Ukraine with two additional IRIS-T air defense systems, the medium-range SLM and short-range SLS models, by the end of the year.

Major General Christian Freuding, head of the Bundeswehr's Situation Center Ukraine, confirmed the timeline during a briefing in Kyiv on Nov. 25.

“The next IRIS-T SLM and SLS systems should arrive in Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, before Christmas,” Freuding stated. He also emphasized that Germany’s military aid to Ukraine would continue beyond the upcoming Feb. 23 federal elections.

On Nov. 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the planned addition during discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Back in September, Scholz revealed plans to deliver 17 additional IRIS-T systems to Ukraine. He noted that the seven IRIS-T systems already in use have downed over 250 Russian missiles and drones.

The IRIS-T system, known for intercepting aircraft, drones, and missiles, has already demonstrated its effectiveness in Ukraine, reportedly downing over 250 Russian projectiles.

Germany has been a consistent supplier of military equipment to Ukraine since the Russian invasion. Support has included Patriot air defense systems, anti-aircraft systems, armored vehicles, Leopard tanks, and ammunition. On Nov. 20, Berlin announced a new aid package featuring howitzers, drones, and support vehicles, further enhancing Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

Diehl Defense expands IRIS-T missile production

Diehl Defense, the manufacturer of the IRIS-T systems, is reportedly scaling up production to meet rising demand. A new facility in Nonnweiler, Germany, will include a technology center and missile production lines.

The company plans to grow its workforce from 700 to 800 by late 2025, driven by increased orders for IRIS-T SLM missiles from European nations and Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

The IRIS-T SLM system, known for high interception success rates, has also been ordered by Estonia, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Germany, supporting the European Sky Shield initiative.

Diehl Defense recently acquired Dynamit Nobel GmbH and shares in TGHG, a manufacturer of explosives.