United to win: Germany delivers IRIS-T air defense systems as part of new military aid package

Germany has provided Ukraine with a new military aid package that includes launchers to improve air defenses and man-portable radars, Rubryka reports, referring to the German government.

What is the problem?

Since Russia started its full-scale war, Ukrainian defenders have bravely repelled the invasion without sufficient military equipment and ammunition.

Ukraine needs powerful military aid from its allies, which the Armed Forces of Ukraine need for a successful counteroffensive of Ukraine, liberation of territories, and protection of civilians.

What is the solution?

Ukraine received a new package of military aid from Germany that will strengthen its air defense.

How does it work?

Germany delivered two launchers of the short-range IRIS-T SLS anti-aircraft missile system to Ukraine.

The IRIS-T SLS complex is a short-range air defense system. There are no transport and launch containers. The missile's range is 12 km at a target height of up to 8 km.

Berlin also provided the following:

• 4,539 smoke munitions of 155 mm caliber (previously, Germany transferred 12,460 such shells);
• Ten Ground Observer 12 portable radars for counter-battery warfare (eight units were previously transferred);
• Four 8×8 HX81 tractor units and five semi-trailers for them (previously 38 and 33, respectively);
• Eight loaders for 15 tons (previously 26).

Portable Ground Observer radars, which Ukraine received, were developed by the Thales company. They are designed for ground surveillance with a high scanning speed. They are used to monitor the battlefield, the border, and the coast and adjust fire from closed positions.

The German government noted that Ukraine received €5.4 billion in military aid from Berlin this year.

German aid

Germany is one of the leaders among the countries that provide assistance to Ukrainian troops. Berlin provided several types of artillery, Leopard tanks of older and new modifications, IRIS-T and Patriot air defense systems, ammunition, cars, drones, and other types of weapons. In the August 9 aid package, Germany handed Ukraine two more Patriot air defense systems.

Rubryka reported that Germany plans to give Ukraine €5 billion of military support annually until 2027.