Initial IRIS-T Air Defense System Arrives From Germany

German defense firm Diehl Defense has announced the delivery of a ground-based air defense system to Ukraine.

Under a contract signed in June 2022, Diehl Defense is supplying IRIS-T SLM air defense systems to Ukraine. Additional systems will be delivered as fast as they can be manufactured, the company said in a release on Wednesday.

Diehl provides the IRIS-T missiles and launchers for the systems. Hensoldt is responsible for the TRML-4D multifunctional radar and Airbus, the integrated battle management software fire control (IBMS-FS) for the tactical operation center.

The IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range system, engaging targets at distances of up to 25 miles (40 km) and altitudes of 12 miles (20 km). It will aid Ukraine in detecting rocket and drone attacks, Diehl said.