Ukraine Strengthens Its Air Defense with 4 New German IRIS-T Systems.

According to official information published on Telegram by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense on May 28, 2025, Ukraine has signed a strategic arms agreement with the German company Diehl Defence for the production and delivery of IRIS-T air defense systems, with a total value of 2.2 billion euros. The contract was signed in Berlin by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during the official visit of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Germany. The announcement was accompanied by a statement from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, highlighting the importance of this agreement in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
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Ukraine has also deployed the short-range IRIS-T SLS variant to enhance coverage of sensitive areas such as forward command posts and civilian infrastructure (Picture source: Ukrainian MoD)

The contract includes the provision of four complete IRIS-T SL systems, which comprise launchers, multifunctional radars, command units, and associated missiles. The IRIS-T SL system, specifically in its medium-range SLM variant, has already become a key component of Ukraine’s air defense network since its first deployment in 2022. Designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drones, the system has demonstrated high operational effectiveness during large-scale attacks targeting critical infrastructure.

Ukrainian armed forces report an interception rate nearing 99 percent for the deployed SLM systems, with performance confirmed in saturation scenarios. In one incident, an IRIS-T SLM battery reportedly neutralized 15 cruise missiles in a single engagement, highlighting both the system’s multi-target capability and the reliability of its sensors and fire control software. These results, broadcast by Армія TV and corroborated by personnel operating the systems, led the Ministry of Defense to expand its procurement.

The IRIS-T SL missile is based on a high-performance architecture that combines inertial navigation, satellite correction, data link guidance, and terminal infrared homing. It is equipped with a radar proximity fuse designed to accurately engage high-speed or low-signature targets. The warhead uses a high-explosive fragmentation charge intended to neutralize lightly armored or maneuvering aerial threats. The missile can reach speeds of Mach 3, with a maximum range of 40 km and an operational ceiling of 20 km. It features advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities, including IRCCM and DIRCCM, to maintain functionality in contested electromagnetic environments.

The SLM system is delivered in a modular configuration. Each battery includes three MAN 8x8 truck-mounted launchers, a HENSOLDT TRML-4D multifunction radar, and a command unit equipped with Airbus’s IBMS-FS system. The TRML-4D radar detects aircraft at ranges of up to 120 km and supersonic missiles at 60 km, providing 360-degree coverage. The architecture supports integration with additional radar systems such as CEAFAR and Saab Giraffe, offering adaptability based on operational requirements and interoperability with existing assets.

Ukraine has also deployed the short-range IRIS-T SLS variant to enhance coverage of sensitive areas such as forward command posts and civilian infrastructure. Although the SLS version uses less expensive missiles and has a shorter range, up to 12 km with an interception ceiling of 8 km, it retains compatibility with existing radar and command systems. Its ability to be mounted on unarmored vehicles provides additional tactical flexibility, particularly for mobile or decentralized defense configurations.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense views this agreement not only as a technical reinforcement but also as a step toward greater strategic independence and production autonomy. German involvement in the development and delivery of these systems directly supports Ukraine’s resilience against continued aerial threats posed by Russian forces. By choosing a field-proven Western system, Ukraine continues its broader effort to modernize its armed forces through advanced equipment and long-term industrial partnerships.