Germany to hand over sixth IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine by the end of 2024

By: Mykhailo Stoliar | today, 08:50

After a conversation with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will receive the sixth IRIS-T air defence system by the end of this year.

Here's What We Know

President Zelenskyy did not specify whether the IRIS-T SLS or SLM system is being ordered, which differ in chassis type, missile characteristics, and target interception range.

During the talks with Chancellor Scholz, the parties discussed the supply of air defence equipment in 2024, as well as the prospects for additional assistance from Germany in the field of air defence.

The IRIS-T SLS and SLM surface-to-air missile system. Photo: Diehl

Zelenskyy and Scholz coordinated further steps to strengthen defence and political support for Ukraine. The leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining the Ramstein format and holding the next meeting of the coordination group.

In September, the contract for 17 IRIS-T systems for Ukraine was announced. Two medium-range IRIS-T SLM systems and two short-range IRIS-T SLS systems are also scheduled to be delivered to the Ukrainian Defence Forces by the end of the year.

Source: Zelenskiy