Germany to provide Ukraine with additional 17 IRIS-T air defence systems

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has received an advanced air-defence system for the German military and confirmed orders for five more, along with 17 additional units for Ukraine to aid in countering Russian attacks. 

Speaking at an air force base near Kiel on September 4, Scholz emphasised that the acquisition of six IRIS-T systems, produced by Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, is vital for bolstering the European Sky Shield Initiative. This German-led project, which aims to enhance Europe’s air defence capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions, has been joined by 21 nations, including the UK and Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Scholz noted that the IRIS-T systems designated for Ukraine are in addition to the seven already delivered, which have successfully intercepted over 250 Russian rockets, drones, and missiles, saving numerous lives.

He promised that four more units would be sent by the end of this year, with the remainder to follow starting next year.

“This demonstrates that German support for Ukraine remains unwavering,” Scholz said to an audience that included Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

He highlighted that Germany has proactively secured contracts and funding to ensure Ukraine can continue to depend on German support, adding, "This also underscores the efficiency of our industry when it has the necessary planning stability." 

Despite facing growing budgetary pressures, Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has been one of the most substantial supporters of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, providing or committing to supply military aid worth approximately 28 billion euros ($31 billion), second only to the US in terms of value. By 2026, Ukraine is set to receive a total of 24 IRIS-T systems from Germany, including 12 medium-range and 12 short-range variants, according to a government source. 

The six IRIS-T systems allocated to the German military will cost around 950 million euros, as reported by the source, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the planning. While Scholz has been lauded for enhancing Ukraine’s air defences, he has faced criticism for not supplying longer-range missiles, due to concerns that such weapons could potentially escalate the conflict and involve Germany more directly. 

In his September 4 speech, Scholz defended his government's decision to permit the US to station conventional long-range weapons in Germany starting in 2026, despite strong opposition from populist parties in recent regional elections in eastern Germany.

Scholz emphasised that the goal is to deter potential aggressors and ensure that any attack on Germany poses a significant risk to the attacker. 

"Our objective is to secure peace and prevent war," he asserted.