The Ukrainian Air Force for the first time demonstrated the combat performance of the IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missile system, which destroyed more than 60 air targets

Ukraine has received two IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missile systems from Germany. The Air Force has for the first time published a video of the German air defence system's combat missile.

Here's What We Know

Judging by the fact that the video was shot in winter, we were shown the first anti-aircraft missile system, which arrived in Ukraine last autumn. The transfer of the second IRIS-T SLM was announced a few days ago.

Ukraine has received medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. They can intercept helicopters, aircraft, drones and cruise missiles at altitudes of up to 20km and ranges of up to 40km. According to the Air Force, the air defence system shown in the video was able to destroy more than 60 aerial targets. On the first day of use, IRIS-T demonstrated maximum effectiveness, shooting down 100 per cent of the targets.

The system includes a Hensoldt TRML-4D radar station that can detect threats up to 250km away. The launcher uses IRIS-T surface-to-air missiles. As the chassis there is used 10-ton truck MAN SX45 8x8.

Note that IRIS-T missile was originally developed for an aircraft to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder. The aircraft version appeared in 2005 and the ground-launched version in 2015.

The IRIS-T SLM system used by the Ukrainian Air Force was adopted into service last year. According to public sources, the surface-to-air missile system for Ukraine includes three launchers.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force