Germany bolsters Ukraine's defenses with advanced missile systems

Germany has emerged as one of the leading suppliers of air defense systems to Ukraine. According to Defense Romania, the country delivered three Patriot systems and six IRIS-T systems in the SLM and SLS versions to Ukraine. Additionally, 57 self-propelled Gepard systems and two Skynex units were sent. In an interview with Defense Romania, Major General Christian Freuding disclosed that Germany supplied Ukraine with 328 Patriot missiles and 658 IRIS-T missiles. This information surfaced around the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Patriot systems utilize GEM-T, PAC-3 CRI, and MSE missiles to address various threats. In contrast, the IRIS-T SLS and SLM systems are based on IRIS-T missiles produced by the German company Diehl. Production of GEM-T missiles in Germany commenced only in November 2024 and has not yet reached full capacity. However, Diehl plans to ramp up IRIS-T missile production by constructing a new factory, which is expected to become operational by the end of 2025.

The Defense Romania service notes that the first IRIS-T systems arrived in Ukraine in January 2023, followed by the Patriot systems in April 2023. These systems represent some of the most advanced technologies delivered to Ukraine as part of military support from Western countries. Each system plays a crucial role in safeguarding airspace from missile and aerial attacks, though they differ in range, purpose, and operational technology.

Patriot, developed by the American corporation Raytheon, is among the world's most advanced anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems. It can intercept aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles and is a key component of layered air defense. Depending on the version, its missiles can engage targets at distances ranging from 43 to 99 miles, with interception altitudes reaching 15 miles.

In Ukraine, systems equipped with PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles are used. These differ in their purposes—PAC-2 performs better against aerodynamic targets, while PAC-3 is optimized for combating ballistic missiles. Patriot systems operate using advanced long-range radars capable of detecting and tracking multiple targets simultaneously, making them highly effective in repelling large-scale air attacks.

IRIS-T, the German system developed by Diehl Defence, is a modern medium-range weapon designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. Compared to the Patriot, it has a shorter range—up to 25 miles—but is known for its high precision and ability to engage targets flying at very low altitudes. IRIS-T launchers work with advanced radars that enable quick detection and neutralization of threats, making this system particularly effective against attacks on critical infrastructure and military units.

Both systems significantly enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities by creating a comprehensive air defense network. Patriot is a long-range shield capable of intercepting advanced threats, such as Russian Iskander ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, IRIS-T effectively addresses medium-range defense needs, eliminating threats in the lower atmospheric layers. The collaboration of these systems allows for more effective protection of Ukrainian skies from massive air and missile attacks, a benefit repeatedly demonstrated during the ongoing conflict.