Kyiv expands air defences with major IRIS-T order from Germany

Ukraine has placed an order for 18 IRIS-T air-defence systems from German defence manufacturer Diehl Defence, the company’s chief executive, Helmut Rauch, announced.

Speaking at a conference, Rauch said that nine IRIS-T firing units are already operational in Ukraine and that Kyiv is seeking to further strengthen its air defence capabilities through additional acquisitions, DW reports.

In response to rising demand, Diehl Defence plans to significantly scale up production of its IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS systems. Rauch noted that the company aims to increase output to 16 firing units within the next two years, with the potential for further expansion should customer demand grow. In 2026, the manufacturer expects to produce up to ten systems.

Diehl Defence is also advancing the development of the IRIS-T SLX missile, which will have an operational range of up to 80 kilometres. Rauch said the missile has already attracted interest from Germany, while Egypt has placed an order. Serial production of the IRIS-T SLX is scheduled to begin in 2029.

By Vafa Guliyeva