Ukraine's air defense already has 9 IRIS-T missile systems. What is known about them

Ukraine has already received and is using 9 German IRIS-T air defense systems, which are designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, drones and cruise missiles. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense.

IRIS-T is a modern air defense missile system. It is manufactured by the German company Diehl Defense.

"High-tech IRIS-T missiles can quickly maneuver, hit targets both on head-on courses and during pursuit, and have highly sensitive infrared homing heads. They are capable of hitting modern aircraft, overcoming their defense systems, and distinguishing real targets from false ones," the report says.

Two types of IRIS-T complexes are currently in use:

• SLS - short-range, range up to 12 km, altitude up to 8 km;
• SLM - medium range, range up to 40 km, height up to 20 km.

The IRIS-T complex can be integrated into a single air defense system of Ukraine, where it works in conjunction with other air defense and missile defense systems.

Recall that Zelenskyy previously announced a shortage of missiles for individual air defense systems of Ukraine.