World News

Germany supplies powerful IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine

Oct 29, 2023

Berlin [Germany], October 29: Germany has supplied a third powerful IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine as the country braces for another possible Russian missile onslaught this winter. The system - comprising three launchers, a radar sensor and a generator, plus the associated missiles - was handed over this week, the Defence Ministry in Berlin said on Friday. In his daily video address in the evening, Ukrainian President VolodymyrZelensky expressed his gratitude for the "very strong package from Germany." "This will greatly help our soldiers and the defence of our cities," said Zelensky. He had also discussed air defence and the fight against drones with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during a phone call, he said. Ukraine will also receive spare parts and technical-logistical support for the IRIS-T. Commenting on the delivery earlier, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stressed Germany's continued support for Ukraine as it fights to repel Russian forces that invaded in February 2022. (dpa)