Berlin plans to relocate two additional IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine by the close of 2023, a development reported by the Ukrainian outlet NV, citing the German Ambassador to Ukraine, Martin Jäger. The move reflects ongoing German support for Kyiv’s defensive posture amid the conflict and underscores Berlin’s commitment to reinforcing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities through a series of multi-system deployments.
According to the diplomat, three of these IRIS-T systems are already positioned on Ukrainian soil. Berlin’s plan envisions increasing this inventory before the year ends, signaling a steady ramp-up in Western air defense assistance as the situation evolves and winter approaches. The deployment cadence appears designed to bolster Ukraine’s capability to counter aerial threats over the coming months.
“Five IRIS-T systems are planned to be deployed by year’s end,” Yeger stated, providing a clearer picture of the expected scale of the rotation and augmentation of Kyiv’s air defense network. This statement aligns with ongoing Western assessments about the utility of mobile, short-range air defense assets in providing rapid coverage against a range of aerial incursions.
Furthermore, the ambassador indicated that Kyiv should receive additional Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems from Berlin in the near term. However, he did not specify a precise timeline or disclose the exact quantity of Patriot units that would accompany the new batch. The Patriot system remains a centerpiece of Ukraine’s broader air defense buildout, capable of high-altitude interception and coordinated defense alongside other assets such as IRIS-T.
In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted that Kyiv had encouraged a number of international partners to supply further air defense systems to the war zone. The president noted these arrangements would focus on equipment rental for the winter period, aiming to maintain operational continuity as harsh weather typically complicates defense operations and air surveillance.
Yuriy Ignat, the Advisor to the Air Force Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, later affirmed these remarks, stressing that support would not come in a handout fashion. He underscored that the delivery of air defense systems involves careful planning, logistics, and integration into Ukraine’s existing command and control infrastructure, ensuring interoperability and sustained effectiveness in real-world combat scenarios.
Previously, Ukraine faced challenges in formulating a Wall of air defense that would create a nearly continuous protective layer. The ongoing collaboration with international partners, including Germany, is viewed as a step toward enhancing resilience against air threats by expanding both the range and redundancy of defensive capabilities across key regions. The overall objective remains to improve Kyiv’s protection against missiles, drones, and other aerial systems while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving battlefield needs.