Germany studies option to deliver IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems to Ukraine.

According to information published by the German Newspaper website "Bild" on May 14, 2022, Germany is studying an option for the delivery of the German-made Diehl Defence IRIS-T SLM air defense missile systems to Ukraine.
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The IRIS-T SLM is a German-made air defense missile system manufactured by the company Diehl Defense. (Picture source Diehl Defense)

Citing information from the International press agency Reuters, Ukraine could receive 10 IRIS-T SLM air defense systems that could be produced over the next three yeas, but the first systems could be deployed in Ukraine in November 2022.

In recent days, Germany has completely changed its policy on military aid to Ukraine. On April 17, 2022, Germany approved to release of more than €1 billion in military aid for Ukraine.

In fact, on April 26, 2022, Germany approved the delivery of Gepard's 35mm self-propelled anti-aircraft mobile gun systems to Ukraine. In May 2022, the German parliament voted to send heavy weapons to Ukraine following weeks of intense debate in Germany and after a long national debate, the German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht announced that Berlin approve the sending of PzH 2000 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine.

The IRIS-T SLM is a surface-to-air defense missile system designed and manufactured by the German company Diehl Defense. This air defense missile system has been optimized for 360° protection of objects, areas and mobile troop units in current and future mission scenarios in mobile and stationary 24/7 operation, in all weather conditions, with minimum personnel and least logistic effort.

The IRIS-T SLM air defense system is designed to engage and destroy a wide range of aerial threats including modern fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, drones and tactical attack missiles as well as short-range ballistic missiles. Even helicopters and aircraft featuring small radar cross-sections and extreme maneuverability can be hit directly. High hit probability is achieved through precise control of the missile during terminal approach by a high-resolution, imaging IR seeker rendering countermeasures, including blinding lasers, ineffective.

The launcher unit of the IRIS-T SLM is based on 8x8 military truck chassis with a crew cab at the front and two blocks of four-tube launchers each able to fire one surface-to-air missile at a maximum firing range of 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km.