Ukraine received the second IRIS-T air defense system – Spiegel
19 April, 2023 The IRIS-T air defense system of the Ukrainian military. February 2023. Ukraine.
Photo credits: Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Germany handed over the second of four IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine. The system was delivered to Ukraine a few days ago.
The German Spiegel reported on this. Ukraine received the first air defense system in October of last year, immediately after Russia's first attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In general, Germany plans to transfer four such systems to Ukraine.
The IRIS-T SLM system of the Ukrainian military. January 2023, Ukraine. Photo credits: ArmyInform
IRIS-T was also baptized by fire in October last year.
In January of this year, the Ukrainian military discussed the operation of the system in more detail. In its first use, the air defense system hit 100 percent of the targets, mostly cruise missiles. At the beginning of March this year, it was reported that the Ukrainian military was mastering the IRIS-T SLM air defense system in Germany.
To train Ukrainian air defense specialists, instructors simulate the use of the system in various scenarios. The experience of using IRIS-T SLM in Ukraine is also being considered.
The vehicle that is part of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system. Photo credits: Bundeswehr
Sweden will join the supply of systems to Ukraine.
Berlin was reported to have discussed with Stockholm the transfer of launchers compatible with the IRIS-T system. Sweden later confirmed that it would participate in the supply of air defense systems. According to Spiegel, Sweden transferred 12 IRIS-T-SLS launchers to Germany.
Currently, the vehicles on which they can be mounted for further delivery to Ukraine are being searched for. IRIS-T is a German medium-range anti-aircraft missile system (SAM).
The system is designed to destroy cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The basis for this air defense system is the modified air-to-air IRIS-T missile. There are medium and small radius modifications of the system.
The IRIS-T SLM allows hitting the aerial targets at a distance of up to 40 km, and with the "shorter" SLS version - up to 25 km.
IRIS-T SLX; IRIS-T SLM; IRIS-T SLS
Launchers can be based on a wheeled (MAN 8x8) or tracked chassis (two-section all-terrain BvS10 vehicle) and contain four or eight containers with missiles for vertical launch.
The primary means of detecting aerial objects are the CEAFAR GBMMR radar with active phased antenna grates.
The system can also operate with the German TRML-4D radar (Hensoldt), which detects aerial targets at a distance of up to 250 km.