Now more than ever, Ukraine needs European air defense systems. The Ministry of Defense signed a memorandum of cooperation with the IRIS-T manufacturer.
The signing was announced by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Facebook. He thanked Diehl Defense «for their trust and willingness to cooperate» and noted the importance of the steps taken by global defense companies to meet Ukraine.
«Protection of Ukrainian skies and cities is our priority. The signed agreement paves the way for major industrial projects that will strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine’s air defense The Memorandum also provides for a threefold increase in the supply of missiles and air defense systems», — writes Rustem Umerov.
The first Ukraine received IRIS-T SLM in October 2022. How notes «Ukrayinska Pravda», in September 2024, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that Germany had ordered 17 IRIS-T medium- and short-range systems for Ukraine. In December, Ukraine received the sixth of them, and at the end of the month, Germany sent a large aid package that included IRIS-T and Patriot systems. In the first half of 2025, Germany intends to provide Ukraine with military assistance packages with heavy armored vehicles as part of them.
As previously reported, the new US administration has stopped providing Ukraine with intelligence. In particular, the following required for guidance of HIMARS missile systems and probably Patriot. Therefore, European systems were quickly prioritized. France and Britain also stated that help Ukraine with intelligence. Ukraine also uses Franco-Italian air defense systems SAMP/T Mambacapable of competing with the US Patriot.
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