Ukraine Secures Major Arms Deal with German Iris-T Manufacturer

The Ukrainian government has finalized a significant agreement with Diehl Defence, a leading German manufacturer known for its advanced air defense systems, to substantially increase the delivery of Iris-T missile systems. This deal is expected to enhance Ukraine's capabilities in protecting its airspace amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

According to reports, the new memorandum will triple the amount of missile and air defense systems supplied to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Minister of Defense announced this agreement through social media, emphasizing that the Iris-T system is a crucial component of Ukraine's air defense strategy. The minister stated that safeguarding the nation's airspace and cities remains a top priority.

Diehl Defence, based in Überlingen, has been recognized globally for its superior air defense technologies. The Iris-T system has already been deployed by Ukrainian forces in their ongoing efforts to counter Russian aggression. The recent deal is anticipated to facilitate significant industrial projects that will bolster the capabilities of Ukraine's defense systems.

Last September, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disclosed that Germany had committed to supplying a total of 17 Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, which include eight medium-range systems and nine short-range systems. By the end of December, Ukraine received its sixth Iris-T SLM air defense system from Germany, showcasing the ongoing military support from the German government.

The discussions surrounding further assistance to Ukraine are currently taking place among various political parties in Germany, following the recent Bundestag elections. There is a consensus on the need to allocate additional funds for Ukraine's defense and recovery, with proposals under consideration for a special budget in the hundreds of billions.

Since the onset of the conflict with Russia, Ukraine has emerged as the world's largest importer of arms, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The country accounted for 8.8% of global arms deliveries between 2020 and 2024, largely as a response to the ongoing military confrontation with Russia, which began in February 2022.

In the past year, Ukraine had ranked fourth among the largest arms recipients globally, with major suppliers including the United States, which provided 45% of Ukraine's arms imports, followed by Germany and Poland. The analysis indicates that at least 35 nations have supplied weapons to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, reflecting a significant shift in global arms trade dynamics.

Experts have noted that the increase in arms imports by European nations is a direct reaction to the perceived threats from Russia. Despite the growing demand for military equipment, the overall global arms trade volume has remained stable, attributed to reduced imports by other regions.

The SIPRI report highlights a remarkable 155% increase in arms imports by European states from 2020 to 2024 compared to the previous five-year period, driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and uncertainties regarding future U.S. foreign policy.