Germany has recently completed a significant delivery of military aid to Ukraine, aimed at strengthening the country's defense capabilities against Russian forces.
Seven to be Delivered
According to Tech the latest shipment includes a battery of the IRIS-T SLS air defense system, along with 14,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition, 10 Sonabot drones, 26 Vector drones, an armored Bergepanzer 2 recovery vehicle, and nearly 800 firearms, including 700 Haenel MK556 rifles.
The IRIS-T systems are a crucial addition to Ukraine's arsenal, providing effective protection against Russian drones, helicopters, and aircraft. These systems are among the most advanced short-range air defense solutions available, and their inclusion in Ukraine's defenses comes at a critical time.
Germany has committed to delivering a total of seven IRIS-T SL air defense batteries to Ukraine. These are split between the SLM variant, which can engage targets at distances up to 40 km, and the SLS variant, with a range of approximately 10 km.
The SLS version uses the same IRIS-T missiles employed by many NATO air forces, which simplifies logistics and ensures a steady supply of munitions.
100% Succes Rate
Originally developed through a collaboration between Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and Canada, the IRIS-T missile was designed to replace the AIM-9 Sidewinder in these countries' arsenals.
The missile features advanced targeting capabilities, including infrared guidance that can track the thermal image of a target, making it difficult to evade.
Since its introduction in 2005, the IRIS-T has proven to be one of the most effective air-to-air missiles in the world.
In Ukraine, the system's operators have reported a 100% success rate in intercepting enemy aircraft and missiles, showcasing its critical role in the ongoing conflict.
