Germany strengthens Ukraine with £2bn IRIS-T missile pact
Diehl Defence corporation has signed a contract worth £2 billion for the delivery of IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine. Here's precisely what Ukraine will receive and what it means.
According to the portal Hartpunkt, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerow, during his visit to Germany, signed an agreement with Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, for the delivery of four additional IRIS-T air defence systems with a stock of missiles. The contract value is £2 billion.
The signed agreement also entails a threefold increase in the supply of air defence systems and missiles. Although details were not specified, it likely concerns the IRIS-T SLM system and its missiles. These are much harder to access compared to the IRIS-T air-to-air missiles used in SLS systems, as they are in the arsenals of the air forces of many NATO countries. Meanwhile, rockets for the SLM systems are continuously manufactured in Germany.
German support for the Ukrainian defence industry
During a recent visit to Berlin on 28th May, Umerow and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius also signed an agreement on financing arms production in Ukraine. Germany committed to investing in the Ukrainian defence industry, which has unused production capacities and technical expertise to produce modern systems.
Germany also announced further supplies of ammunition, including additional packages for air defence systems. Additionally, Ukraine will receive extra ground systems and small arms. Funding for satellite and military communication systems has already been completed, and medical support has also been promised. The total support value for the Ukrainian armed forces is approximately £4.6 billion, and the funds come from those approved by the Bundestag.
IRIS-T SLM air defence system — A drone and cruise missile killer
The IRIS-T SLM system, which entered service in 2017, is designed to combat threats from aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones at ranges of up to 40 km and altitudes of up to 20 km. The fire unit comprises a launcher, radar, and command post, along with supporting elements such as a workshop and ammunition vehicles.
The system is characterised by high tactical mobility, the ability to quickly deploy the launcher, and the capability to engage multiple targets with minimal personnel involvement.
The IRIS-T SL missiles used in it are an expanded version of the air-to-air IRIS-T missiles with a larger rocket engine and an added satellite and inertial navigation module along with a two-way communication link to provide greater range when launched from the ground and ensure guidance until the optoelectronic, image-seeking infrared (IIR) warhead "locks onto" the target.
This occurs at a distance typically below 20 km, after which the missile will follow the target until it hits. It's worth noting that this type of warhead is entirely resistant to self-defence measures such as flares because it sees the shape of the chased object, not just a heat point.
The IRIS-T SLM system is currently one of the most advanced short-range air defence systems in the world, and is also used by Germany, Ukraine, Sweden, and Egypt.
