Ukrainian Soldiers Praise German IRIS-T Air Defense System After Destroying 15 Russian Missiles in One Attack.

A recent interview with Ukrainian soldiers, published on March 14, 2025, highlights the exceptional performance and high efficiency of the German-made IRIS-T air defense missile system, which has proven to be a vital asset in Ukraine’s ongoing defense against Russian missile strikes. The soldiers shared remarkable accounts of the IRIS-T's combat capabilities, underscoring its crucial role in defending Ukrainian airspace with impressive precision.
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A German-made IRIS-T air defense missile launcher deployed by the Ukrainian Army. (Picture source: Ukraine TV)

One of the most striking achievements noted by the Ukrainian soldiers occurred during a recent large-scale Russian missile assault. Their air defense unit, equipped with the IRIS-T air defense missile system, successfully destroyed 15 Russian cruise missiles in a single attack. This unprecedented success demonstrates the IRIS-T’s remarkable ability to intercept multiple, high-speed threats simultaneously, highlighting the system’s efficiency and effectiveness in real combat situations.

The Ukrainian unit’s successful interception of these 15 missiles helped prevent significant destruction to both military and civilian infrastructure, minimizing potential casualties and material damage. The soldiers praised the IRIS-T system for its precision and rapid response time, allowing them to handle a large-scale missile barrage while protecting vital assets and saving lives.

Further showcasing the system’s advanced capabilities, the soldiers shared an extraordinary incident where just a single IRIS-T missile destroyed two Russian cruise missiles. The two enemy missiles were flying side by side, and when the IRIS-T missile intercepted the first, the second missile collided with the debris of the first and was destroyed midair. This rare but highly fortunate interception underscores the IRIS-T’s precision targeting and its ability to handle complex multi-target scenarios with exceptional effectiveness.

The IRIS-T air defense system is known for its sophisticated radar homing and infrared guidance technology, which allows it to engage a wide variety of aerial threats with high accuracy. The system is designed to counter cruise missiles, drones, aircraft, and even ballistic missiles, making it one of the most versatile air defense solutions available today. Its superior performance in high-stakes, complex combat scenarios has made it a crucial component of Ukraine's air defense strategy.

The soldiers praised the IRIS-T not only for its reliability but also for its ease of use in combat situations. The system has been seamlessly integrated into Ukraine's defense infrastructure, significantly enhancing the country's ability to defend against Russia's ongoing missile attacks. The IRIS-T’s rapid response capabilities have allowed Ukrainian forces to protect both critical infrastructure and civilian areas from aerial bombardments.

In a related update, the German Ministry of Defense confirmed on February 17, 2025, that it had delivered six IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine. This delivery includes both the SLM (Surface-Launched Medium Range) and SLS (Surface-Launched Short Range) variants of the system, along with an undisclosed number of SLM missiles. These systems significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to intercept short-range and medium-range threats, further boosting its air defense capabilities.

The IRIS-T SLM variant is designed to engage medium-range threats, with a reach of up to 40-60 kilometers (25-37 miles). This variant is capable of intercepting cruise missiles, aircraft, and ballistic missiles, providing long-range defense against a variety of aerial threats. The IRIS-T SLS, on the other hand, specializes in short-range defense, with an effective range of up to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). It is particularly suited for intercepting low-flying threats, such as drones, short-range missiles, and aircraft in close proximity to defensive positions. The SLS is ideal for defending critical infrastructure and military assets located in sensitive areas, providing rapid-response capabilities in high-risk zones.

The IRIS-T SLM system engages targets at altitudes ranging from 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) to 20,000 meters (65,616 feet), making it particularly effective for intercepting threats at medium and high altitudes. The SLS variant can engage targets at altitudes between 300 meters (984 feet) and 12,000 meters (39,370 feet), focusing on low-altitude intercepts against fast-moving aerial threats.

Germany’s ongoing support, including the delivery of additional IRIS-T systems, reflects the importance of international defense partnerships and the role advanced technology plays in modern warfare. The continued success of the IRIS-T system in the field demonstrates the strategic value of cutting-edge air defense systems, and the delivery of these systems significantly enhances Ukraine’s capacity to safeguard its airspace.

The integration of the IRIS-T systems into Ukraine’s defense infrastructure has greatly bolstered the country’s air defense capabilities. With the ability to handle large-scale missile barrages, like the one that saw 15 Russian cruise missiles destroyed in a single attack, the IRIS-T proves to be indispensable in countering the missile threats posed by Russia. These systems are crucial not only for protecting critical infrastructure but also for ensuring the safety of Ukrainian civilians, military personnel, and key assets.

The continued success of the IRIS-T in real combat situations further solidifies its place as one of the most reliable and efficient air defense systems in use today. As the conflict continues, the IRIS-T will remain a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense strategy, offering high precision, versatility, and rapid-response capabilities to defend against evolving aerial threats.

As the conflict evolves, the IRIS-T’s demonstrated capabilities highlight the critical importance of cutting-edge air defense systems in modern combat, serving as a key asset for Ukraine's defense and a model of international cooperation to enhance global security.