Nine IRIS-T systems guarding Ukraine’s skies: what is known about these modern air defense systems

Ukraine continues to strengthen its air defense, in particular through cooperation with partners. As previously reported by Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal, Germany has already transferred the ninth IRIS-T surface-to-air missile system to our country.

The Ministry of Defense explains what is known about these systems.

IRIS-T is a modern surface-to-air missile system. It is manufactured by the German company Diehl Defense. The system is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles.

The high-tech IRIS-T missiles can maneuver rapidly, engage targets both head-on and in pursuit, and are equipped with highly sensitive infrared homing seekers. They are capable of defeating modern aircraft, overcoming their self-protection systems, and distinguishing real targets from decoys.

Currently, two types of IRIS-T systems are in use:

• SLS – short-range version, range up to 12 km, altitude up to 8 km;
• SLM – medium-range version, range up to 40 km, altitude up to 20 km.

The IRIS-T can be integrated into Ukraine’s unified air defense system, where it operates in conjunction with other air and missile defense assets.

As a reminder, on December 17, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal announced the signing of a number of new and important agreements with German partners totaling more than €1.2 billion.

Primarily as a result of agreements between the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Germany has committed to allocate €11.5 billion to support Ukraine next year.