Ukraine secures $2.4B deal for state-of-the-art defense systems
Diehl Defence Corporation has signed a contract worth $2.4 billion for the delivery of IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine. Here's precisely what Ukraine will receive and what it means.
According to the portal Hartpunkt, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerow signed an agreement with Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, during his visit to Germany. The deal involves the delivery of four additional IRIS-T air defense systems, along with a stockpile of missiles. The contract is valued at $2.4 billion.
The signed agreement also includes a threefold increase in the supply of air defense systems and missiles. Although specifics were not disclosed, it likely pertains to the IRIS-T SLM system and its missiles. These are much harder to acquire compared to the IRIS-T air-to-air missiles used in SLS systems, as they are part of the arsenals of many NATO countries' air forces. Meanwhile, rockets for the SLM systems are continuously manufactured in Germany.
German support for the Ukrainian defense industry
During a recent visit to Berlin on May 28, Umerow and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius signed an agreement on financing arms production in Ukraine. Germany committed to investing in Ukraine's defense industry, which has unused production capacities and the technical expertise needed to produce modern systems.
Germany also announced further supplies of ammunition, including additional packages for air defense 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 $5.5 billion, sourced from funds approved by the German parliament, the Bundestag.
IRIS-T slm air defense 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 a range of up to 40 kilometers and an altitude of up to 12 kilometers. The system's fire unit comprises a launcher, radar, command post, and supporting elements, including a workshop and ammunition vehicles.
The system is characterized by high tactical mobility, the ability to deploy the launcher quickly, and the capability to engage multiple targets with minimal personnel involvement.
The IRIS-T SL missiles used in the system are an expanded version of the air-to-air IRIS-T missiles, featuring a larger rocket engine and an added satellite and inertial navigation module, as well as a two-way communication link. This setup provides greater range when launched from the ground and ensures guidance until the optoelectronic, image-seeking infrared (IIR) warhead locks onto the target.
This typically occurs at a distance of less than 12 miles, after which the missile will follow the target until it hits. It's noteworthy that this type of warhead is resistant to self-defense measures such as flares, as it tracks the shape of the target object rather than just a heat point.
The IRIS-T SLM system is currently one of the most advanced short-range air defense systems globally. Besides Germany and Ukraine, it is also used by Sweden and Egypt.
