German Vice chancellor announces New IRIS-T SLM air defense systems delivery in Ukraine.

The German Vice Chancellor Habeck is currently visiting Kyiv, accompanied by numerous German industrialists including Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence. Diehl Defence is the manufacturer of the Iris-T SLM anti-air system. Rauch announced the rapid delivery of new systems to Ukraine, as reported by the German daily Bild.
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IRIS-T SLM launcher (Picture source Wikimedia Commons )

Helmut Rauch stated during his meeting with the Ukrainian executive: "Three of our systems are already in Ukraine, and more will be delivered this year. The next one in a few weeks."

In 2023, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the first IRIS-T, claiming the system "shows 100% effectiveness." This suggests that the effectiveness of the IRIS-T system could be extrapolated in the context of increased aerial attacks by the Russians using drone and cruise missile systems.

The IRIS-T (Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a short to medium-range missile designed primarily for intercepting aerial targets. Developed in Germany by Diehl Defence, it has been operational since 2005. The system is used for air defense and can engage aircraft, helicopters, and short-range missiles. The IRIS-T has a maximum range of about 25 kilometers, although this can vary depending on the mission profile and engagement conditions. Its detection range, which depends on the systems it is integrated with, allows it to detect and track targets using an infrared seeker that provides high accuracy even against advanced electronic countermeasures. The missile is also renowned for its exceptional maneuverability, thanks to a thrust vectoring system that allows it to change direction quickly in response to target movements. In operation, after launch, the missile is inertially guided towards the target before its infrared seeker takes over for enhanced precision during the terminal phase of engagement.

Emphasis is also placed on the Post-war period. The next conference on reconstruction will take place in Berlin in mid-June. Habeck stated: "There is hope in the word 'reconstruction.' Of course, we must still think about Ukraine after the war during the war."

Demining experts from "GCS" (Global Clearance Solutions) are already clearing the deadly remnants of war, detecting traps and land mines. Ukrainian technicians operate the machines on site. GCS provides systems and human resources to clear minefields and IEDs. 

The founder and CEO, Philipp von Michaelis (49 years old), told to German newspaper : "30 of our demining systems are already in use in Ukraine, and 50 more have been ordered. We are shipping three to four systems per month."

Following this visit, the German Vice Chancellor will travel to Moldova, where tensions are rising between the Russian presence and the desire to align more closely with the European Union.

Defense News April 2024