Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail asked Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, “Why did Germany cut off military support to Ukraine despite promising otherwise?” she asked.
The German leader replied: “This is not true! Let’s stick to the facts. We have been supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine since the first days after Russia’s attack on Ukraine. We delivered everything we had: anti-tank and anti-aircraft systems, mines, weapons, tons of ammunition and non-lethal aid. Since then we have moved on to more complex and expensive systems, self-propelled howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems, anti-aircraft systems and counter-battery radars. We are increasing the materials,” he said.
Of particular interest in weapons transferred from Germany to the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the latest package are the MARS II MLRS and the medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems IRIS-T SLM.
The MARS II multiple launch rocket system is one of the upgrade options for the base M270 MLRS. It has a number of characteristic differences and innovations, thanks to which a certain increase in combat qualities is achieved. At the same time, there are some limitations to the combat use of the system.
The main difference between the MARS II and the original MLRS M270 lies in the European EFCS fire control system developed by Airbus. This MSA provides for the use of GMLRS missiles with a firing range of about 90 km and satellite correction. At the same time, since developing countries signed the Cluster Munition Convention, the range of ammunition has been artificially reduced, and therefore the EFCS does not allow the use of missiles with such equipment.
The MARS II crew consists of three people, the driver, the commander and the gunner. They are placed in a closed cabin in front of the vehicle, which is protected from small arms fire, as well as fragments of artillery shells and mines. The capabilities of a combat vehicle allow the crew or even a crew number to fully perform a combat mission, including loading and unloading rockets and missiles.
The IRIS-T SLM air defense system, in turn, allows you to hit targets at a distance from 1 km to 40 km and at an altitude of up to 20 km. SAM radar detects targets at a distance of up to 250 km.
Anti-aircraft missile systems IRIS-T are in service in ten countries. Deliveries to Ukraine are expected no earlier than October of this year, since the Bundeswehr does not have the IRIS-T-SLM air defense system, and the systems still have to be produced at the enterprises of the German military-industrial complex.
The IRIS-T SLM can hit helicopters, aircraft, as well as cruise, anti-ship, anti-radar and other types of missiles, that is, almost all classes of aerodynamic targets. The delivery of this complex to Ukraine will significantly increase the combat capabilities of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which also includes anti-aircraft missile forces. IRIS-T can hit targets at medium and high altitudes. Air defense systems and complexes previously supplied to Ukraine by Western countries (with the exception of NASAMS air defense systems) basically had an altitude reach of no more than 5-7 km.
However, the system also has weak points. IRIS-T is based on a converted air-to-air missile, not a specially designed anti-aircraft munition. This creates the risk of not hitting targets with low-altitude maneuverability.
In addition, this air defense system has a complex guidance system. The rocket first corrects its flight according to the GPS signal, and then the infrared homing head turns on. This makes ammunition vulnerable to electronic warfare.
The main thing is that even limited deliveries of equipment such as the MARS II IRIS-T SLM could not help Ukraine and affect the course of the special operation. Deliveries for such an effect must be measured in hundreds of combat vehicles.
The author’s view may not coincide with the editors’ position.
Author biography:
Mikhail Mikhailovich Khodarenok is a military observer of socialbites.ca, a retired colonel.
Graduated from the Minsk Higher Engineering Anti-aircraft Missile School (1976),
Air Defense Military Command Academy (1986).
Commander of the S-75 anti-aircraft missile battalion (1980–1983).
Deputy commander of an anti-aircraft missile regiment (1986-1988).
Senior officer of the Air Defense Forces Chief of Staff (1988-1992).
Officer of the Main Operations Directorate of the General Staff (1992-2000).
Graduate of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (1998).
Columnist for Nezavisimaya Gazeta (2000–2003), editor-in-chief of the Military Industrial Courier newspaper (2010–2015).