Ukraine Discusses Production of German Air Defense Systems
31 January, 2025 The IRIS-T SLM anti-aircraft missile launcher based on a MAN truck. Photo from open sources Ukraine is interested in expanding cooperation with the German defense industry, in particular in the joint production of air defense systems.
Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Serhii Boiev stated this during a meeting with the current and newly appointed Charge d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Ukraine. Joint projects may also be promising in the production of ammunition, repair of armored vehicles, etc. Tim Prange, whose diplomatic tenure in Ukraine is nearing its conclusion, presented his successor, Max Rasch, the newly appointed Charge d'Affaires of the German Embassy in Ukraine.
The parties discussed future cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector. "Germany is one of our key partners, and maintaining close cooperation is of paramount importance to us. We will focus on new projects, particularly in the defense industry," emphasized Boiev.
The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine does not disclose any details about the cooperation. However, it is known that the Ukrainian Defense Forces were armed with medium-range IRIS-T SLM and short-range IRIS-T SLS air defense systems, which had been transferred as part of military aid.
IRIS-T SLM
The IRIS-T SLM air defense system
The IRIS-T SLM system is designed to destroy planes, helicopters and UAVs, as well as cruise missiles. It can engage air targets at a distance of up to 40 km.
The system has demonstrated its effectiveness in Ukraine.
IRIS-T SLS
The IRIS-T SLS launcher on the Unimog U 5000 wheeled chassis
The system is designed to intercept enemy aircraft, helicopters and UAVs. In the SLS version, it is capable of intercepting aerodynamic targets at a distance of up to 12 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 8 kilometers. The system is based on the IRIS-T missile with an infrared homing head that has been modernized for ground launch.
Ukraine received the first such short-range air defense systems from Germany on August 23.
Launch of an AIM-120C AMRAAM missile from a NASAMS air defense system.
Photo from open sources
Earlier in January, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that Ukraine was considering the possibility of integrating Ukrainian-made air defense systems into the NASAMS system.
Such integration should increase the combat capabilities of this air defense system in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.