Ukrainian forces currently have nine IRIS-T air defense systems in service, supplied in a specific configuration that can complicate straightforward counting. Each system is delivered as a combined set comprising three IRIS-T SLM launchers and two IRIS-T SLS launchers, which may lead to confusion when SLS elements are mistakenly treated as separate deliveries.
This figure was confirmed by Germany's Ambassador to Ukraine, Heiko Thoms, in an interview with Suspilne. He also noted that additional systems are expected to be delivered in the near future. Earlier, at the end of December 2025, Ukraine's then Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal had also publicly cited the number of IRIS-T systems already received.
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According to Diehl Defence Ukraine is slated to receive a total of 18 IRIS-T air defense systems. With nine systems now delivered, Ukraine has effectively received half of the promised total. At the same time, Germany has fulfilled its stated plan to supply four IRIS-T systems during 2025.
In operational terms, IRIS-T system equipped with SLM missiles is capable of engaging aerodynamic targets at ranges of up to 40 kilometers. When using the standard IRIS-T air-to-air missile adapted for ground launch, the engagement range is reduced to approximately 12 kilometers, reflecting the more limited performance of the baseline missile variant.
Both SLM and SLS missiles retain an infrared seeker for terminal guidance. In the SLM variant, however, the seeker is protected by a nose cone during the midcourse phase of flight, which is jettisoned as the missile approaches its target. It is also important to note that the IRIS-T family is not advertised as having a capability against ballistic missile targets.
Target detection in the Ukrainian IRIS-T configuration is provided by TRML-4D radar produced by Hensoldt. This radar is capable of detecting aerial targets at ranges of up to 250 kilometers and is also supplied to Ukraine separately as a standalone surveillance asset, beyond its role within the air defense system.
The growing demand for IRIS-T systems and missiles, combined with their combat-proven status in Ukraine, has turned the system into one of Europe's most sought-after air defense solutions. In response, Diehl Defence is actively expanding its production capacity.
The company has announced plans to establish a new production line that would allow annual output of IRIS-T missiles to increase by an additional 2,000 units, on top of the current capacity of around 800-1,000 missiles per year. This expansion is intended to meet both Ukraine's ongoing needs and rising international demand.
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