Since October 2022, the Iris-T air defense system has destroyed more than 60 air targets – Air Force Command of Ukrainian Armed Forces
3 May, 2023 Rocket launch from the Iris-T air defense system. A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force The Ukrainian Air Force talked about the operation of the Iris-T air defense system, which the Ukrainian military has been using since October last year.
Mykola Oleschuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, released the video featuring the German air defense system. The military demonstrated the operation of Iris-T and discussed its maintenance. The Deputy Commander of the anti-aircraft missile unit with the call sign "Jeweler" reported that the military personnel who service the system stay in shelter during its operation.
"Operators include officers, locator service, and launcher service. After the deployment, they immediately go to the shelter and watch from there.
Only the service, which conducts combat work, remains," he said. The radar using Iris-T can transmit information to the combined system, which allows sharing of information with other systems operating in the same direction.
TRML-4D radar used on the Iris-T system. Frame from Ukrainian Air Force video
"What we see on our radar, we can share this information with neighboring systems, so to speak. And based on our data, they can fire at these or other targets.
The sensations from the first launches, from the first operation are quite impressive," said the Head of the Detection station with the call sign "McQueen". The military also emphasized that on the first day of work, they were amazed by the result - all targets were shot down.
The workplace of the operator of the Iris-T air defense system.
A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
As previously reported, Ukraine recently received the second of four Iris-T systems from Germany. Information about this was confirmed on the website of the country's government, where a list of aid transferred to Ukraine is regularly published.
IRIS-T
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 IRIS-T air-to-air 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.
Rocket launch from the Iris-T air defense system.
A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
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.
Air defense system crew during deployment at the position.
Frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
The Ukrainian military received the first system in October of last year. In the same month, it was reported which companies are working on the production of the system. Diehl Defence is the general contractor and system integrator for IRIS-T SLM.
It is delivering the launcher along with the missiles.
Iris-T air defense system of the Ukrainian military. A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
Germany's Hensoldt contributes to the multifunctional radar TRML-4D.
The Spanish SENER Aeroespacial is also involved in the IRIS-T programs. The company manufactures control sections and wings for IRIS-T air-to-air missiles and develops control sections for IRIS-T SL surface-to-air missiles. The Integrated Battle Management Software Fire Control (IBMS-FS) for the tactical operation center comes from Airbus.
As previously reported, Sweden also participates in the supply of air defense systems, in particular additional Iris-T systems.
The Iris-T air defense control panel. A frame from the video of the Ukrainian Air Force
According to Spiegel, Sweden handed over 12 IRIS-T-SLS launchers to Germany.
Currently, they are looking for vehicles on which they can be installed for further delivery to Ukraine.