Ukraine Signs €2.2 Billion Deal with Germany’s Diehl Defence for More IRIS-T Air Defence Systems

Ukraine has taken a major step to strengthen its air defence capabilities by signing a new €2.2 billion contract with the German defence company Diehl Defence. The agreement was officially announced by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov during a visit to Berlin, where he was part of a high-level delegation led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Under this contract, Diehl Defence will produce and deliver four additional IRIS-T SL (Surface Launched) air defence systems to Ukraine. These systems are specially designed to defend against modern aerial threats like drones, cruise missiles, and attack helicopters — dangers Ukraine faces daily amid ongoing conflict.

What is the IRIS-T Air Defence System?

The IRIS-T is a modern, highly advanced air defence system originally developed by Germany. It’s based on the IRIS-T air-to-air missile used by fighter jets, but modified for ground-based use. These systems include:

• Launchers: For firing surface-launched missiles.

• Radars: To detect and track incoming threats.

• Command units: To coordinate the operation and targeting.

• Missiles: Tailored for both short and medium-range defence.

The IRIS-T SL systems currently deployed in Ukraine have performed exceptionally well. Ukrainian defence forces reported an impressive 99% success rate in intercepting incoming missiles and drones. In one notable incident, the system successfully shot down 15 cruise missiles in a single engagement — proving its reliability in real combat situations.

Types and Specifications of IRIS-T Variants Supplied to Ukraine

???? IRIS-T SLM (Surface Launched Medium Range)

• Range: Up to 40 kilometres

• Altitude: Up to 20 kilometres

• Features: Advanced sensors and long-range missiles, capable of intercepting high-speed, high-altitude targets like cruise missiles and fighter aircraft.

???? IRIS-T SLS (Surface Launched Short Range)

• Range: Up to 12 kilometres

• Altitude: 6 to 8 kilometres

• Features: More affordable, uses the same sensors and systems as the SLM version but carries shorter-range missiles. It’s mounted on lighter vehicles, offering flexibility in deployment and rapid relocation.

Germany’s Military Support to Ukraine

This €2.2 billion contract is part of a broader military assistance effort from Germany. Alongside this deal, Germany announced a new €5 billion military aid package for Ukraine. Although specific weapons and systems included in the package weren’t publicly detailed, Ukrainian officials confirmed that several hundred million euros would go towards acquiring long-range strike systems.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed Germany’s ongoing support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of standing by Kyiv during this difficult period. He noted that some military aid details remain undisclosed due to operational security reasons.

Why This Deal Matters

This fresh contract marks another chapter in the growing defence partnership between Ukraine and Germany as the war nears its third year. With Russia intensifying missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, strengthening air defences remains a top priority for Kyiv.

By securing both medium and short-range IRIS-T variants, Ukraine ensures a layered air defence network, capable of tackling diverse threats at different distances and altitudes. The reliability and flexibility of these systems not only improve Ukraine’s battlefield resilience but also send a clear message of international solidarity and strategic cooperation.