Ukraine to receive new IRIS-T air defense system from Germany in May - Ambassador

Archive photo: German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger (Getty Images)

Ukraine will receive a new IRIS-T air defense system from Germany in May of this year, according to German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger.

The diplomat said that some IRIS-T systems are already in Ukraine, and one more system will be delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in May.

The ambassador emphasized that Germany has pledged to deliver new IRIS-T systems to Ukraine this year, next year, and in 2026. He called it consistent work.

Patriot for Ukraine

"We are assisting in the restoration of the energy infrastructure, especially with winter in mind, but if there is no air defense, then it will be very difficult to repel future attacks," he said.

The ambassador explained that Germany has decided to do even more than before in the air defense sector. The country already has obligations in this area in NATO, and 25% of its Patriot systems will be located in Ukraine.

"There is no other country in the world that gives so much," said Jaeger.

IRIS-T for protection against Russian attacks

Germany announced the transfer of IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine as early as 2022 and has been consistently working in this direction. The system enables the destruction of enemy cruise missiles and helicopters.

Recently, the head of Diehl Defense, the company that manufactures these air defense systems, said that this year Ukraine would receive even more IRIS-T SL anti-aircraft missile systems.