Germany is preparing to deliver additional IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine, as Berlin positions itself as Kyiv’s largest provider of air defense amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks.
Germany has already transferred nine IRIS-T systems to Ukraine, with more expected to arrive soon, German Ambassador to Ukraine Heiko Thoms said in an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne.
Thoms said air defense remains Ukraine’s most urgent requirement, even as current assistance falls short of operational needs. He added that Berlin has become Ukraine’s largest partner in this area but acknowledged that the scale of Russian attacks means the existing systems are not enough.
The IRIS-T, produced by German firm Diehl Defence, is a surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The system uses infrared-guided missiles and is available in short- and medium-range variants, allowing it to defend urban areas, military sites, and critical infrastructure.
Ukraine has increasingly relied on IRIS-T to counter low-altitude threats, particularly Iranian-designed Shahed drones and cruise missiles.
Thoms also confirmed that Germany transferred two Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine by the end of 2025 and continues to supply ammunition for air defense platforms already in service.
Germany’s Major Deliveries to Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Germany has become one of Ukraine’s largest military donors, providing heavy armor, artillery, air defense, and logistical support. Berlin has delivered an estimated 5.2 billion euros ($5.7 billion) worth of materials.
In 2023, the country transferred 18 Leopard 2A8 tanks and 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers produced by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall.
In January 2025, Germany gave Ukraine a significant military aid package that included Leopard 1A5 tanks, one short-range and one medium-range IRIS-T air defense system with missiles, two Patriot air defense launchers, and 68 drones, among others.
