Ukraine Receives 8th IRIS-T SLM Air Defense System From Germany

Ukraine has received the 8th IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system from Germany. This is the second system of this type to be delivered in 2025.

This was reported by the author of the German aid for Ukraine project, which monitors German aid to Ukraine, citing his own sources.

“According to my information, two weeks ago, as part of Germany’s ongoing military support, Ukraine received its eighth IRIS-T SLM system. This has further strengthened the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force,” he said.

Thus, the German government has already handed over two of the four IRIS-T SLM air defense systems promised to Ukraine for 2025.

IRIS-T SLM

As noted in the project, the typical composition of a system transferred to Ukraine usually consists of 3 IRIS-T SLM launchers, 2 IRIS-T SLS short-range missile launchers, TRML-4D radar, a control center, a reloading machine, a mobile spare parts depot, and a mobile workshop.

Each of these systems provides a range of 40 kilometers under optimal conditions and is extremely effective against drones, cruise missiles, enemy aircraft and other targets at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers.

For example, in June 2025, an anti-aircraft missile unit of the Brigade ‘Lviv Ivan Vyhovsky’ destroyed 7 cruise missiles during one anti-aircraft battle.

This battle was the first for the brigade’s anti-aircraft gunners using IRIS-T, which they had received shortly before. Prior to receiving the new system, the unit’s main weapon was the Soviet S-300 anti-aircraft missile system.

“While repulsing a massive air strike, seven Russian cruise missiles entered our area of attack. We destroyed them one by one,” said Vitalii, commander of the anti-aircraft missile unit.

The basis of the system is an IRIS-T missile with an infrared homing head that has been modernized for ground launch. Target acquisition occurs during the final part of the flight thanks to the infrared homing head. IRIS-T SLM missiles can hit targets at a distance of up to 40 kilometers, and the SLS version can hit targets at a distance of up to 12 kilometers.

In total, after the start of the Russian invasion, partner countries ordered 18 IRIS-T SLM air defense systems for Ukraine. 17 systems were financed by Germany, and another one by Norway.

The contract for the supply of the first IRIS-T SLM system was signed in June 2022 and was completed in record time with the first delivery of the equipment to Ukraine in October 2022.