Germany Strengthens Air Defenses to Counter Russian Threat

Germany has bolstered its air defenses by receiving its first IRIS-T SLM air defense system, part of a broader effort to enhance national security amid rising concerns over Russian aggression.

The German military took delivery of the system on Wednesday, a model it has already supplied to Ukraine since October 2022 to aid in countering Russian threats.

During a ceremony at a military base in Todendorf, Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of strengthening Germany's defenses in response to Russia's missile deployments, including those stationed in Kaliningrad, just 530 kilometers from Berlin.

Scholz stressed that failing to act would be a dangerous oversight, potentially jeopardizing peace within Germany as well.

Manufactured by German company Diehl, the IRIS-T SLM system is designed to protect against drones, aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles within a range of 40 kilometers and at altitudes of up to 20 kilometers.

Berlin has placed orders for a total of six of these systems, with the first delivered on Wednesday and the remaining five expected by May 2027.

This move is part of Germany’s larger Euro Sky Shield initiative, launched in August 2022 in Prague. The program aims to enhance air defense across Europe, with 21 countries participating.

The project incorporates three different air defense systems: the German IRIS-T for short-range defense, the US Patriot system for medium-range, and the U.S.-Israeli Arrow 3 system for long-range threats.

However, France has opted not to join Euro Sky Shield, advocating instead for a European-only air defense system that uses domestic equipment.

Germany has been a key supplier of the IRIS-T systems to Ukraine, having delivered four IRIS-T SLM and three IRIS-T SLS systems to aid Kyiv’s defenses.

Berlin is set to provide Ukraine with an additional eight IRIS-T SLM systems and nine IRIS-T SLS models in the near future.

Facing the ongoing threat from Russia, both the US and Germany announced in July 2023 plans to deploy long-range strike capabilities in Germany by 2026.

Scholz has stood by this decision, despite criticism from both the far-right and far-left in Germany, stating that it is crucial for maintaining peace and preventing war within the region.