“We have once again delivered Iris-T SLM and Iris-T SLS combined fire units to Ukraine – a highly modern and well-proven medium and short-range air defence system, directly from German industry production,” Pistorius stated.
This delivery comes as Ukraine continues to seek international support to bolster its air defence capabilities amidst a shortage and escalating Russian strikes targeting energy infrastructure since March.
Germany has previously provided Ukraine with IRIS-T air defence systems, including three IRIS-T SLM systems with a range of up to 40 kilometers and one IRIS-T SLS with a range of up to 12 kilometers.
Germany has pledged to send to Ukraine a total of nine IRIS-T SLM and eleven IRIS-T SLS systems, produced by German company Diehl Defence.
“Together with the recently delivered Patriot system, we are strengthening the Ukrainian air defence in its fight against Russia’s brutal war, which violates international law,” added Pistorius.
In mid-May, Pistorius announced that Berlin would also supply Ukraine with an additional PATRIOT air and missile defence system, although no delivery date has been specified.
