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Ukraine to Strengthen Air Defense With Increased IRIS-T Systems from Diehl Defence.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German defense manufacturer Diehl Defence to deliver additional IRIS-T air defense systems. This strategic agreement, revealed on 9 March 2025, is poised to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities significantly.
With these additional IRIS-T systems, Ukraine is set to gain a more robust and diversified shield against emerging air threats. (Picture source: Diehl Defence)
Under the terms of the MoU, Ukraine is set to triple its acquisition of IRIS-T systems and missiles. “Protecting Ukrainian skies and cities remains our priority,” Umerov said. “This agreement paves the way for large-scale industrial projects that will enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.”
Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T has already demonstrated critical interception performance against a range of aerial threats, including missiles and drones. The expanded partnership will further strengthen Ukraine’s defense posture and aligns with the country’s broader goal of developing its defense industry, enhancing industrial cooperation, and integrating into the European defense framework.
This latest announcement follows Germany’s September 2024 commitment to supply 17 IRIS-T units to Ukraine—eight medium-range IRIS-T SLM systems and nine short-range IRIS-T SLS systems. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s confirmation at the time underscored Germany’s resolve to support Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to modernize and reinforce its air defense infrastructure.
The IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range air defense system developed in Germany that fires a 2.94-meter missile weighing 87.4 kg, capable of reaching Mach 3 to intercept targets up to 40 km away. Its high-explosive fragmentation warhead enables it to neutralize various aerial threats, while its guidance system relies on infrared tracking in combination with radars and command vehicles (Saab Giraffe, TRML-4D, CEA Technologies CEAFAR multifunction radar, etc.). Designed to effectively protect strategic areas, the IRIS-T SLM is already in service in Ukraine and utilizes cutting-edge technologies to detect, track, and simultaneously engage multiple aerial targets.
The IRIS-T SLS is a short-range ground-to-air defense system (SHORAD) developed in Germany by Diehl Defence, and currently in use by Germany, Sweden, Norway, and Estonia. It employs four to six IRIS-T missiles with infrared guidance, equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, and can fly at speeds exceeding Mach 3 to engage targets at distances of up to 12 km and altitudes of up to 8 km. Thanks to its “fire-and-forget” system and thrust-vector control, the IRIS-T SLS can intercept and destroy various aerial threats, while its command-and-control network (including TRML-4D and Giraffe 4A radars) ensures effective detection and coordination in a modern combat environment.
With these additional IRIS-T systems, Ukraine is set to gain a more robust and diversified shield against emerging air threats. According to Umerov, “The free world stands with us, and together we are opening new opportunities to enhance our defense.” This strategic cooperation underscores a shared commitment to ensuring the security and stability of Ukraine’s skies.