Germany expands Ukraine's air defense capabilities with IRIS-T missiles and systems

Germany is set to provide Ukraine with more than fifty additional missiles for the IRIS-T air defence system.

This move comes as part of Germany's ongoing support for Ukraine in the conflict with Russia, and the missiles will be supplied from the German military’s existing stockpiles, Caliber.Az reports via German media. 

The decision was made after a surprise visit by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to Kyiv on January 14, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian Defense Ministry leadership.

The new missile delivery is expected to cost German taxpayers at least 60 million euros. Germany had previously provided Ukraine with IRIS-T surface-to-air missile systems, even before they were introduced into service in the German army. The upcoming package will help strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russian missile attacks and aerial threats.

Germany is also planning to deliver six additional IRIS-T missile systems to Ukraine in 2025. Alongside these systems, about fifty guided missiles will be provided to enhance the system's operational effectiveness.

According to President Zelenskyy, Germany's contributions now account for 16% of all international aid to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. This includes advanced air defence systems such as Patriot missiles, Iris-T systems, and Gepard anti-aircraft guns, which have been crucial in safeguarding Ukraine's critical infrastructure, particularly its energy grid.

In addition to the German assistance, Lithuania has pledged to transfer 4,500 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) worth 5 million euros to Ukraine. Latvia has also committed to sending more than 1,000 combat drones and has allocated over €20 million for the purchase of drones in 2025 as part of a wider coalition supporting Ukraine with UAVs.

By Tamilla Hasanova