Ukraine has ordered 18 IRIS-T SLM air defense systems from Germany and has already received seven, according to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, in an interview with European Pravda.
Each system currently being produced in Germany for Ukraine includes three medium-range IRIS-T SLM launchers and two short-range IRIS-T SLS launchers. According to Makeiev, this combination forms a single integrated air defense systems.
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Makeiev also outlined several stages of Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine:
Stage One: Germany provided its modern equipment to other countries in exchange for Soviet-era weapons for Ukraine. For example, Marder IFVs were sent to Greece in return for BMP-1s that were then transferred to Ukraine.
Stage Two: Germany began delivering weapons directly to the Ukrainian Armed Forces from its own stocks. This phase included the transfer of Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers, MARS multiple rocket launchers, Dingo armored vehicles, followed by Marder IFVs, Leopard tanks, and a large volume of artillery shells and missiles. "This stage is now closed," Makeiev said. "The Bundeswehr is currently not in a position to provide more from its own reserves — nor are other nations. Stockpiles are exhausted."
Stage Three: Ongoing production of weapons specifically for Ukraine. IRIS-T systems are still being manufactured, with seven systems already delivered and more on the way. Germany is also producing several hundred armored vehicles via FFG, wheeled howitzers, and reconnaissance drones from Quantum-Systems, which now has production operations in Ukraine.
Stage Four (current phase): Weapons are now being ordered for Ukraine using German funds, but from Ukrainian manufacturers. In addition, joint production efforts are underway. "Joint ventures have been established between key German and Ukrainian defense companies to support this," Makeiev explained.
Regarding the delivery of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems with German support, the ambassador noted that the number of expected systems remains fluid.
"We initially asked the Germans to purchase two systems for us from the United States. After the Ramstein meeting, it was publicly stated that partners were working to secure five systems. In reality, we need at least ten," Makeiev said.
He clarified that the figures, five or ten systems, refer to the collective pool of contributions from European countries that have pledged to support Ukraine.
"I believe it will soon become clear who is funding what. Most importantly, this is about placing orders for production. That said, there is always a chance that a country may agree to hand over a system it already has, and later receive a new one from ongoing production," he concluded.
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