Ukraine received a new IRIS-T air defense system from Germany on Saturday. This system will complement the defense weapons of the Ukrainian military. Volodymyr Zelensky fears a massive attack from Russia.
The Ukrainian military arsenal is enriched with new tools. The Ukrainian army took possession, on Saturday May 30, of a new air defense system called IRIS-T provided by Germany (“Infra Red Imaging System Tail”). Volodymyr Zelensky announced this delivery this Sunday, thanking the country “for its constant contribution to the protection of populations”, he declared on X.
Manufactured by the German manufacturer Diehl Defense since 2005, the IRIS-T launchers will be able to defend Ukraine against subsonic targets flying at low altitude and with a weak radar signature. They will be effective against cruise missiles, but will not be able to intercept a ballistic missile, according to experts interviewed by The Kyiv Independent. The Ukrainian army received the first seven copies last July.
They can carry eight missiles, are mobile and can be loaded on trucks or tracked platforms. Guided by the battery’s radar during the first phase of flight, these missiles then use infrared guidance which allows them to locate the heat source in the target and explode. Its manufacturer describes it as “an exceptional short-range air-to-air missile, incredibly maneuverable and capable of engaging all angles.”
The IRIS-T system brings together two previously separate air defense systems: IRIS-T SLM for medium ranges (capable of hitting a target at 12 km at an altitude of up to 8 km) and IRIS-T SLX for longer distances (capable of hitting targets at at 40 km and climb up to 20 km in altitude). The new launcher can fire both types of missiles, even mixed.
Russian attacks intensify
This new military equipment is welcome for Ukraine, which fears a new massive Russian attack. Strikes by Vladimir Putin’s army are intensifying. Ukraine was targeted by 2,300 attack drones, nearly 1,560 guided aerial bombs and 108 missiles last week, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
Separately, Ukraine reached an agreement with Sweden this week. The Ukrainians will receive 16 used Gripen C/D fighter planes and they will receive help from the Swedes to acquire 20 newer Gripen E planes.
