Exclusive: First Image Confirms Deployment of German IRIS-T SLS Air Defense Missile System in Ukraine.

A new photograph released on the X Account MilitaryNewsUA on February 8, 2025, confirms the delivery and presence of the German-made IRIS-T SLS air defense system in Ukraine. The image showcases the system mounted on an Italian Iveco Eurocargo 4x4 chassis, currently in service with a unit of Ukraine’s West Air Command. According to the German Ministry of Defense, Germany has delivered five IRIS-T SLS air defense systems, each consisting of two launchers, to Ukraine. This delivery represents another major step in strengthening Ukraine’s short-range air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.
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German-made IRIS-T SLS air defense system on an Iveco Eurocargo 4x4 truck in service with Ukraine's West Air Command. (Picture source: X Account MilitaryNewsUA)

Air defense remains one of Ukraine’s top military priorities as the country continues to face intense missile and drone strikes from Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called on Western allies for more advanced air defense systems, emphasizing their importance in protecting civilians, military assets, and critical infrastructure from Russian aerial assaults.

Since the beginning of the war, Russian forces have increasingly relied on cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones to target Ukrainian cities, power grids, and logistics hubs. To counter these threats, Ukraine has actively sought modern Western air defense systems, including the IRIS-T SLM, Patriot, and NASAMS, which have already proven effective in intercepting enemy attacks. The newly delivered IRIS-T SLS systems will further strengthen Ukraine’s multi-layered air defense network, particularly in defending against low-flying threats like drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.

The IRIS-T SLS (Surface Launched Short Range) is a short-range mobile air defense system developed by the German company Diehl Defence. It is a ground-launched variant of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, designed to provide high-precision interception of aerial threats in the lower-tier defense layer. The system is designed to engage targets at a range of up to 12 km and altitudes of up to 8 km, making it effective against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.

Mounted on the Iveco Eurocargo 4x4 wheeled chassis, the IRIS-T SLS air defense missile system offers high mobility, allowing for quick redeployment to different strategic locations. This is essential for Ukraine’s dynamic battlefield conditions, where air defense assets must be repositioned frequently to avoid enemy strikes and maximize coverage. The IRIS-T missile used in the system features an advanced infrared seeker, providing high accuracy and resistance to countermeasures. It can lock onto and destroy fast-moving aerial targets with pinpoint precision. Additionally, the IRIS-T SLS can be integrated into Ukraine’s existing air defense network, working in coordination with other systems like NASAMS and IRIS-T SLM to provide a layered defense approach against different types of aerial threats.

With Russia continuing its aerial assaults, Ukraine’s need for advanced air defense systems has only intensified. The arrival of the IRIS-T SLS systems will enhance Ukraine’s ability to protect key military and civilian sites, preventing devastating missile and drone strikes. Additionally, the system's mobility ensures that Ukrainian forces can deploy defenses where they are needed most, responding to evolving threats in real time.

As Ukraine continues to defend its airspace, Western-supplied systems like the IRIS-T SLS will play a crucial role in neutralizing aerial threats and ensuring the resilience of Ukrainian forces. The ongoing support from Germany and other allies highlights the growing recognition of Ukraine’s urgent need for advanced air defense solutions to withstand Russia’s sustained attacks.