BERLIN — Ukraine will order several thousand additional IRIS-T guided missiles from Germany, with the purchase financed through the defence component of the European Union’s €90 billion loan package for Ukraine. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the plan on September 8 ahead of a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in the Ramstein format.
Pistorius said Germany would continue uninterrupted deliveries of IRIS-T air defence systems and missiles produced by industry. He said the medium-range IRIS-T system has been used successfully by Ukraine since deliveries began in 2022.
The exact number of missiles, delivery schedule and total cost were not disclosed. Pistorius said the large order would allow the manufacturer to expand production by adding another production line.
The EU loan, approved for Ukraine’s defence and budget needs in 2026 and 2027, includes an indicative €60 billion for military assistance and defence procurement.
Germany to Transfer Patriot Interceptors
Germany also announced the urgent transfer of PAC-2 interceptor missiles for Patriot systems from Bundeswehr stocks. Pistorius did not specify the number of missiles and called on other Ukraine Defence Contact Group members to examine their own stocks for similar deliveries. Germany will also increase deliveries of air-to-air missiles.
Separately, EU member states agreed to allow €3.2 billion from the EU support mechanism to be used for Patriot missile procurement.
UK Adds £100 Million Air Defence Package
The United Kingdom has committed £100 million (about $135 million) for Ukraine’s air defence under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). The package includes Patriot interceptors, as well as large-calibre ammunition and drones.
The announcements were made as Ukraine’s international partners met on September 8 to coordinate additional military assistance, with air defence remaining a major focus ahead of the winter period.
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