Germany prioritizes IRIS-T missile production for Ukraine to counter escalating Russian missile and drone attacks.

On January 9, 2025, Germany announced a new military support for Ukraine during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) meeting, focusing on the delivery of air defense systems and other military equipment such as self-propelled howitzers, tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that approximately 50 IRIS-T surface-to-air missiles, originally intended for the German Army, the Bundeswehr, will be redirected from production to Ukraine. This adjustment in priorities is intended to address Ukraine’s immediate defense needs.
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The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a short-range missile developed under a German-led program starting in 1995 to replace the US-made AIM-9 Sidewinder. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

At the end of 2024, 30 M-84A4 main battle tanks and 30 M-80 infantry fighting vehicles were delivered to Ukraine under the Ringtausch program, an equipment exchange mechanism among NATO allies. German Defense Minister Pistorius also indicated plans for investments in Ukraine's defense industry, although no specifics were provided. Additionally, December 2024 deliveries included 12 kinetic defense vehicles, two more Patriot launchers, two Cheetah SPAAGs, 15 Leopard 1A5 tanks, one PzH 2000 artillery system, unmanned aerial vehicles, and ammunition supplies, including 52,000 155mm artillery shells, 15,000 120mm mortar shells, and over 50,000 anti-aircraft rounds for Gepard and Cheetah systems.

Plans for an additional €3 billion military aid package, including three IRIS-T SLM fire units, Patriot missiles, 10 self-propelled howitzers, and more ammunition, have been halted by the German Chancellery. The decision to suspend these plans was linked to concerns about committing the future government ahead of elections in February 2025. Both Pistorius and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had supported the proposals.

To date, Germany has provided a wide range of air defense systems to Ukraine as part of its military assistance. This includes six IRIS-T SLM systems, five IRIS-T SLS systems, four Patriot launchers, 57 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, 16 air surveillance radar systems (TRML-4D), 500 Stinger and 2,700 Strela man-portable air defense systems, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, Sea Sparrow missiles, Patriot missiles, 241,000 rounds of Gepard ammunition, IRIS-T SLS/SLM missiles, and 4,000 practice rounds for Gepard systems. These deliveries form part of a €28 billion military aid package funded through Federal Armed Forces stocks and Germany’s security capacity-building resources.

The IRIS-T SL air defense system, developed by the German company Diehl Defence, includes the IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS variants. The IRIS-T SLM system has a range of up to 40 kilometers and an altitude ceiling of 20 kilometers. Each battery consists of three launchers and a command vehicle. Germany plans to supply three additional IRIS-T SLM fire units and six IRIS-T SLS launchers in 2025 as part of an order for six SLM and 14 SLS systems. In December 2024, Germany delivered one IRIS-T SLM fire unit and two IRIS-T SLS launchers, alongside other air defense equipment.

Diehl Defence is also expanding its production capacity to meet increased demand for the IRIS-T air defense system, driven in part by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Plans include producing at least eight systems by 2025 and ten firing units annually starting in 2026 and increasing missile production to 400-500 units per year starting in 2024, with the goal of doubling the output of IRIS-T medium-range missiles by 2025. To support this increase, the company is constructing additional production facilities, including a missile workshop near Nonweiler in Saarland, Germany. These measures aim to accommodate both existing orders and anticipated future contracts.

The IRIS-T SLM and SLS air defense systems, are now central to Ukraine’s air defense strategy, which aims to counter intensified missile and drone strikes from Russia. (Picture source: Twitter/Deaidua)

In recent days, Russia has intensified its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, targeting military and civilian infrastructure in various regions. On January 9, 2025, Russia launched 72 drones in an overnight attack, with Ukraine's air force reporting the interception of 33 drones, while the rest caused damage in areas such as Chernihiv and Kyiv. Since the start of the conflict, Russia has deployed over 51,000 guided bombs, with approximately 40,000 used in 2024, predominantly in frontline regions and areas near the Russian border. On January 8, 2025, a missile strike in Zaporizhzhia killed at least 13 people and injured around 30. According to United Nations data, over 12,300 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the war, with casualties increasing due to the intensified use of drones, long-range missiles, and guided bombs.

Therefore, the IRIS-T variants, such as the IRIS-T SLM and SLS air defense systems, are now central to Ukraine’s air defense strategy, which aims to counter various aerial threats, including drones and missiles. The IRIS-T SLM system has a range of up to 40 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 20 kilometers, enhancing Ukraine’s ability to intercept a range of targets. Beyond these systems, Ukraine is focusing on developing technologies including interceptor drones, missile defense programs, drone swarm technologies, and anti-drone measures. Additionally, the recent incorporation of F-16 Fighting Falcons has further strengthened Ukraine's defensive and offensive operations.

The IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a short-range missile developed under a German-led program starting in 1995. The program aimed to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder within NATO. Germany initiated the project after withdrawing from the ASRAAM program and collaborated with Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Greece. The air-to-air missile was introduced in 2005. Ground-based air defense versions followed, with the short-range IRIS-T SLS introduced in 2015 and the medium-range IRIS-T SLM in 2022. These systems were designed to improve interoperability with NATO platforms, including aircraft already using Sidewinder rails.

The IRIS-T family includes air-to-air and surface-to-air variants. The air-to-air missile has a maximum range of 25 km and achieves Mach 3, while the ground-launched SLM variant extends the range to 40 km and operates up to 20 km in altitude. The missile uses an infrared homing guidance system, resistant to electronic countermeasures, with support for radar, helmet-mounted displays, and data links. Thrust vector control allows for extreme maneuverability. It can engage aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, cruise missiles, and other targets, including other air-to-air or surface-to-air missiles. The system is adaptable for air-to-surface missions with minimal hardware modifications.

Future developments for the IRIS-T include the IRIS-T SLX, a long-range surface-launched variant with a dual-mode infrared and radar seeker, a range of 80 km, and an altitude ceiling of 30 km. This variant is under development, with initial operational readiness projected within four years. Another project, HYDEF, aims to counter hypersonic threats with a two-stage missile capable of intercepting targets up to 100 km away at altitudes of 50 km. The IRIS-T FCAAM, intended for the Future Combat Air System, is being designed with a new sensor, updated electronics, and a redesigned airframe to meet next-generation combat requirements.