Scholz announces transfer of 17 IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine

Germany has ordered 17 IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine. They will complement the seven batteries already delivered.

This was stated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, RBC-Ukraine reports citing Bloomberg.

According to Scholz, Germany has ordered 22 more IRIS-T systems from Diehl Defense GmbH & Co. KG. Five of them are for the Bundeswehr, and 17 are for Ukraine.

The Chancellor noted that the seven IRIS-T batteries already delivered to Ukraine have helped shoot down more than 250 Russian missiles and drones. Four systems will be sent by the end of this year, and the rest - starting next year, the head of the German government promised.

“This shows that German support for Ukraine is not weakening. We have planned in advance and secured contracts and financing in a timely manner so that Ukraine can continue to rely on us fully in the future,” Scholz added.

An unnamed German government official told Bloomberg that Ukraine will receive 24 IRIS-T systems from Germany by 2026 - 12 medium-range and 12 short-range systems.

Author - Olena Madiak, 04/09/2024