Germany bolsters Ukraine's defence with missile systems

Germany has emerged as a primary provider of air defence systems to Ukraine. According to Defense Romania, the country delivered a total of three Patriot systems and six IRIS-T systems in the SLM and SLS versions to Ukraine. This support was supplemented by 57 self-propelled Gepard systems and two Skynex units. In an interview with Defense Romania, Major General Christian Freuding also disclosed that Germany has supplied Ukraine with 328 Patriot missiles and 658 IRIS-T missiles. This information appeared in the context of the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Patriot systems use GEM-T, PAC-3 CRI, and MSE missiles to counter various threats. In contrast, the IRIS-T SLS and SLM systems are based on IRIS-T missiles, manufactured by the German company Diehl. The production of GEM-T missiles in Germany only began in November 2024 and has yet to reach full scale. However, Diehl plans to ramp up the production of IRIS-T missiles by building a new factory, expected to commence operations by the end of 2025.

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

Patriot, developed by the American corporation Raytheon, is among the most advanced anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems worldwide. Capable of intercepting aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles, it is a vital element in layered air defence. Depending on the version, its missiles can engage targets at distances ranging from 70 to 160 kilometres, with an interception altitude reaching 24 kilometres.

In Ukraine, systems equipped with PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles are used, which have different purposes—the former excels against aerodynamic targets, while the latter is optimized for combating ballistic missiles. Patriot operates on advanced long-range radars capable of detecting and tracking multiple targets simultaneously, making it extremely effective in countering mass air attacks.

IRIS-T, the German system developed by Diehl Defence, is a modern medium-range weapon designed to combat aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones. Compared to the Patriot, it has a shorter range—up to 40 kilometres—but is renowned 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 complex air defense network. Patriot serves as a long-range shield capable of intercepting the most advanced threats, such as Russian Iskander ballistic missiles. IRIS-T effectively fills the gap in medium-range defense, eliminating threats in the lower layers of the atmosphere. The collaboration of these systems allows for more effective protection of the Ukrainian skies from massive air and missile attacks, as repeatedly demonstrated during the ongoing conflict.