German government confirms delivery of 4 IRIS-T systems to Ukraine by the end of the year
20 August, 2024 The launcher from the IRIS-T SLM SAM on fire position. Photo by Diehl Germany plans to provide Ukraine with four IRIS-T air defense systems of various ranges by the end of this year.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson Wolfgang Buchner announced this, DW reports. These air defense systems are being provided to Ukraine as part of German military assistance to counter a full-scale Russian invasion. A representative of the German government actually confirmed the words of German General Christian Freuding, who last week spoke in more detail about the military assistance that will be provided to Ukraine by Germany in 2024.
In total, by the end of this year, the Ukrainian Defense Forces are to receive two medium-range IRIS-T SLM and two short-range IRIS-T SLS systems.
The IRIS-T SLM launcher based on a MAN truck. Photo from the network
In addition, 10 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns will arrive to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. On Monday, August 19, the German government announced that it had transferred the IRIS-T SLS short-range air defense system to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package.
This air defense system is likely one of the four announced by the German general and a government representative. In addition, Ukraine received artillery shells, various types of drones, and assault and precision rifles.
IRIS-T SLS
Ukraine received Germany's first IRIS-T SLS short-range air defense systems in August last year.
The IRIS-T SLS launcher on the Unimog U 5000 wheeled chassis
The system is designed to destroy cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs. The IRIS-T SLS can intercept aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 12 kilometers and an altitude of up to 8 kilometers.
The self-propelled air defense system is mounted on the tracked chassis of the BvS10 all-terrain armored vehicle, but it can also be mounted on a wheeled chassis.
The system is based on an IRIS-T missile with an infrared homing head modernized for ground launch.