Ukraine receives new IRIS-T launcher from Germany, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Ukraine has received a new IRIS-T launcher from Germany (Getty Images)
Germany has transferred another launcher for the IRIS-T air defense missile system to Ukraine, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Yesterday, we received a new IRIS-T launcher. We thank Germany for its constant contribution to protecting people; thousands upon thousands of lives have been saved thanks to such strong support. But we also need missiles for air defense systems so that we have sufficient capabilities to repel Russian attacks," Zelenskyy said.
He also recalled that this week, Ukraine reached significant agreements with Sweden, including a new support package aimed at strengthening aviation with Gripen fighter jets.
Also, there have been new contributions this year to the PURL program.
"And support for this initiative must continue. We are counting on both the United States and European partners. It is anti-ballistic defense that is one of the key priorities for Ukraine," the president stressed.
According to him, strong air defense can provide greater protection for Ukrainians and deprive Russia of its last remaining advantage.
Air defense for Ukraine
This week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a letter to Donald Trump. The letter contained a warning about a critical shortage of air defense assets.
Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said that Ukraine is facing an acute shortage of missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, and IRIS-T air defense systems. Launchers in operational units are half-empty, and Air Force representatives are forced to ask for as few as five to ten missiles during international negotiations.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andrii Melnyk, said that deliveries of air defense systems to Ukraine should be increased tenfold. He called on European and American partners to do so.
