Germany delivers sixth IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine

Germany has sent its sixth IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine as part of ongoing military support.

“What is coming delivered right now is another IRIS-T system, today, I believe, and Gepard SPAAGS, which we are continuing to provide with all the ammunition whose production we have restarted," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, Caliber.Az reports citing Ukrainian media.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced at the national briefing following the European Council in Brussels that he believes (to his knowledge) another IRIS-T SLM fire unit was delivered to #Ukraine today.

This would be in line with earlier announcements that the sixth IRIS-T SLM fire… pic.twitter.com/1Ji64MqMgO

— German Aid to Ukraine (@deaidua) December 19, 2024

Ukrainian military media clarified that Scholz did not specify which version of the IRIS-T system was being delivered—SLS or SLM. The two variants differ in terms of missile types, chassis, and air-target interception range.

However, German Aid to Ukraine has identified the delivery as the SLS system.

Germany remains a key ally of Ukraine, providing substantial military, humanitarian, and financial aid amid the ongoing conflict. Since the war’s onset, the German government has delivered modern military equipment to Kyiv, including self-propelled artillery systems, air defence systems, combat tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other weaponry.

Recently, Chancellor Scholz announced a new military aid package for Ukraine, which includes two additional IRIS-T air defence systems to be delivered by the end of the year, alongside other vital supplies.

By Vafa Guliyeva