Germany to provide new IRIS-T air defence packages for Ukraine in September

Following confirmation of new air defence packages for Ukraine, Germany is once again strengthening its position as one of Kyiv’s leading European providers of anti-aircraft capabilities. The announcement made by President Volodymyr Zelensky after speaking with Chancellor Friedrich Merz has raised expectations of further supplies for the IRIS-T systems already deployed in the country, although the specific components of the packages have not yet been officially disclosed.

Germany announces new air defence packages for Ukraine

Zelensky himself confirmed the development on 2 September, stating that Germany would provide new air defence packages during the month. The announcement comes amid an intensification of Russian drone attacks, which available reports indicate involved the launch of around 1,500 unmanned vehicles over four days in late August. This context has once again placed Ukraine’s air defence among the foremost military assistance priorities for its European partners.

It should be noted that the official information released by the Ukrainian Presidency confirms only the arrival of further air defence packages, without detailing which systems or munitions they will contain. However, several sources suggest that Ukraine could receive additional missiles for its IRIS-T systems in September.

In April this year, Ukraine confirmed an agreement with Germany to increase the number of IRIS-T SLM/SLS anti-aircraft systems for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, manufactured by Diehl Defence. The strategic partnership declaration signed by both governments also included a contract for the supply of additional IRIS-T launchers. Later, in June, the Ukrainian and German defence ministries also progressed efforts aimed at speeding up deliveries of ammunition for the IRIS-T systems.

IRIS-T SLM and SLS capabilities in Ukraine

The IRIS-T family is among the core air defence capabilities supplied by Germany to Ukraine. The IRIS-T SLM is a medium-range system comprising a radar unit, a tactical operations centre and several launchers. Its IRIS-T SLM interceptor, derived from the IRIS-T air-to-air missile and specifically adapted for ground-based use, has an effective range of up to 40 kilometres and an altitude coverage of up to 20 kilometres. Its features include an imaging infrared seeker resistant to interference, thrust-vector control and the ability to update target data during flight.

The IRIS-T SLS, meanwhile, is the short-range variant within the family and uses the IRIS-T missile in a configuration that is virtually identical to that used in its air-to-air role. The system provides an effective range of up to 12 kilometres and altitude coverage of up to 6 kilometres, complementing the SLM’s capabilities within a layered air defence architecture. With Ukraine already operating both variants, and Germany committed to expanding the number of systems and accelerating ammunition deliveries, the new packages announced for September could mark another stage in strengthening Ukraine’s anti-aircraft network. Nevertheless, official confirmation of their contents will be required to establish whether they will indeed include new IRIS-T missiles.