Germany plans to deliver new IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine

Germany has delivered nine IRIS-T air defence systems to Ukraine and is preparing to supply further complexes in the near future.

German Ambassador to Ukraine Heiko Thoms stressed in an interview with Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne that air defence is "critically important" and that Germany is currently Ukraine's biggest partner in providing air defence, while acknowledging the support is still not enough.

"We have actually already delivered nine IRIS-T systems, as far as I know, and further new IRIS-T systems are expected to be delivered soon," he said.

Thoms also said that at the end of 2025 Germany delivered two additional Patriot systems to Ukraine and continues to supply ammunition for air defence systems.

"I know this is still not enough. As I said, I also live here and understand what the situation is, I know the realities. But we are doing everything we can and making every effort to support Ukraine, both through direct assistance to the energy sector and through the provision of air defence assets," Thoms added.

In January, Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, a leading German manufacturer specialising in high-tech defence and security equipment, said that Ukraine had ordered 18 IRIS-T air defence systems from the company.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on 27 January that Berlin is currently unable to provide additional Patriot air defence missile systems to Ukraine.