Germany has announced it will deliver a highly advanced anti-aircraft system to Ukraine in “a few days”. The platform can help Kiev destroy hundreds of Iranian-made drones bought by Russia for the war, but can also intercept Kalibr and Iskander missiles, which can carry nuclear warheads.
The system, IRIS-T SLM, developed by Diehl Defence, is one of the most advanced in the world. Germany is under pressure from its Western allies to offer more armaments to Ukraine, including modern Leopard 2 tanks. Until now, Berlin has been reluctant because of its energy dependence on Russia.
Ukraine will receive four IRIS-T systems, costing 150 million euros each. “They are very important against drones in particular,” said German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht, quoted by CNBC.
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In recent weeks, the number of Iranian-made kamikaze drone attacks has increased. The Russians are also targeting civilian targets.
Interestingly, the German armed forces do not yet have the anti-aircraft system. It is not excluded that IRIS-T is delivered to Ukraine now precisely to reduce the risk of a possible nuclear attack.
IRIS-T SLM is effective against a wide range of targets: aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-radar or ballistic missiles. At the same time, it has a very high success rate at short and medium ranges against small, manoeuvrable targets such as drones.