The first of the four IRIS-T air defense systems is already on combat duty in the South.

This was announced by Yuriy Ignat, spokesman for the Air Force Command, as Ukrinform reports.

“Such air defense systems that we have today are very few indeed. Today, many countries have agreed to help us with air defense. The IRIS-T system, which is not available anywhere in the world, will be the first that Germany will supply to Ukraine. This system is already operating in the Armed Forces somewhere southbound. We are now expecting the rest of those systems Germany will provide us,” he said.

He also noted that IRIS-T systems can work in the same network as other Western-style air defense systems, for example, NASAMS or Patriot SAM.

“NASAMS is an already proven system that has a good reputation worldwide, and is in service with 12 countries of the world. This system may be easier to supply – it is available, and the missiles to it are in sufficient quantities. Therefore, we must ask the countries where this system is available to help Ukraine strengthen our existing air defense,” said Yuriy Ignat.

It should be reminded that the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov said that the first NASAMS air defense systems would arrive in Ukraine during October.

In addition, after a massive missile attack on Ukraine on October 10, a number of countries announced the transfer of air defense systems.

Spain will transfer the Hawk air defense system. It is an American medium-range anti-aircraft missile system manufactured by Raytheon.

France announced the transfer of “anti-aircraft missiles” to Ukraine. At the same time, the media report that there are also talks about Crotale short-range air defense systems capable of intercepting missiles and aircraft at low altitude.

The UK made a statement on the transfer of AMRAAM missiles to Ukraine for NASAMS air defense systems.

The Netherlands announced the transfer of air defense equipment to Ukraine for a total of 15 million euros. Nevertheless, they did not specify exactly what they were talking about.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that air defense for Ukraine will be a priority for Alliance countries.

IRIS-T

The basis of the air defense system is the IRIS-T (InfraRed Imaging System Tail) missile with infrared guidance, created on the basis of a single-name air-to-air missile.

Launchers can have a wheeled (MAN 8×8) or tracked chassis (two-section all-terrain BvS10 vehicle) and contain 4 or 8 containers with missiles.

There are modifications of medium and small radius. IRIS-T SLM is able to hit targets at a distance of up to 40 km, and in the “shorter” SLS version – up to 25.

The main sensor of the complex is the Australian CEAFAR GBMMR with an active phased array (AFAR) radar.

Also, the German TRML-4D (Hensoldt) radar can be used, which allows you to detect targets at a distance of up to 250 km.