The Defense Post
Germany is preparing to deliver additional IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine, as Berlin positions itself as Kyiv’s largest provider of air defense amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks.
Germany has already transferred nine IRIS-T systems to Ukraine, with more expected to arrive soon, German Ambassador to Ukraine Heiko Thoms said in an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne.
Thoms said air defense remains Ukraine’s most urgent requirement, even as current assistance falls short of operational needs. He added that Germany has become Ukraine’s largest partner in this area but acknowledged that the scale of Russian attacks means the existing systems are not enough.
The IRIS-T, produced by German firm Diehl Defence, is a surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system uses infrared-guided missiles and is available in short- and medium-range variants, allowing it to defend urban areas, military sites, and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on IRIS-T to counter low-altitude threats, particularly Iranian-designed Shahed drones and cruise missiles.