Ukraine receives 7 IRIS-T air defense systems from Germany, 11 more expected

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany Oleksii Makeiev said this in an interview with European Pravda.

He noted that each system currently being produced for Ukraine in Germany includes three SLM launchers (medium-range) and two SLS launchers (short-range).

According to Makeiev, this constitutes a single complex.

Regarding Patriot air defense systems and how many Ukraine expects to receive with German support, the ambassador said that this number is currently changing.

“We initially asked the Germans to buy two systems for us from the United States. After the meeting in Ramstein, it was publicly stated that partners are trying to find five systems. However, in reality, we need 10 or more,” Makeiev said.

He clarified that 5 or 10 systems refers to the overall pool of European countries that have committed to helping Ukraine.

“I think it will become clear who financed how much. And above all, we are talking about orders, that is, production. However, it is possible that someone will agree to hand over an existing system earlier, and then later receive a new one from production,” the ambassador summarized.

• Germany has delivered more than 60 Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to Ukraine and is preparing to send another IRIS-T air defense system. In addition, the German side is interested in establishing joint production of new air defense systems with Ukrainian manufacturers.