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Germany will deliver more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine under a comprehensive three-year supply plan, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced during a joint press conference with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Kyiv on June 12, 2025.

The new commitment comes as Russia intensifies its missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, including one of the largest aerial assaults on Kyiv since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

“We are grateful for the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems,” Zelenskyy said. “We understand that deliveries are currently being planned for the next three years. This is very important assistance,” he added.

Zelenskyy noted, “This is very important assistance” for Ukraine, as the country is struggling to defend its skies and hold its ground amid relentless Russian attacks. Germany’s long-term support offers both practical defense and a powerful political signal of enduring European solidarity.

IRIS-T SLM

The IRIS-T SLM is a German-made medium-range surface-to-air missile system capable of intercepting cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft, and has been a cornerstone of Ukraine’s defense strategy against Russia’s continued aerial onslaught.

Pistorius confirmed the timeline for the delivery but made it clear that Germany would not provide the highly sought-after Taurus long-range missiles, which Ukraine has repeatedly requested to target key military infrastructure deep inside Russian territory.

“You asked me whether we are considering this, and my answer is no,” Pistorius stated firmly, shutting down months of speculation around a possible policy shift in Berlin.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Kyiv has been reliant on military and financial assistance from Western allies. Air defense systems have taken center stage in this support structure due to Russia’s persistent use of cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones targeting civilian infrastructure and urban centers.

Leading military backing for Ukraine

Germany has emerged as Ukraine’s leading military backer in Europe. According to government data, Berlin has provided over $55.5 billion in aid since the beginning of the war, of which $18 billion was military assistance as of April 30. Only the United States has contributed more.

Under the new Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Germany has signaled a more assertive defense policy. While Merz had earlier expressed openness to revisiting Scholz’s ban on the Taurus missiles, Pistorius’s remarks indicate that this stance has yet to translate into a change in policy.

$10 billion in aid and joint production projects

In his remarks, Pistorius also announced that Germany would provide $10.4 billion in aid to Ukraine in 2025. Of this, $2.2 billion will go toward joint defense production projects between German and Ukrainian firms. The collaboration aims to combine Germany’s funding and manufacturing capabilities with Ukraine’s battlefield-hardened innovation.

Today, the Federal Minister of Defense of Germany, Boris Pistorius, is visiting Ukraine for the fifth time.

We had a detailed discussion on our cooperation. Agreements have been reached on additional investments in the defense industry – both in Ukraine and in Germany. This… pic.twitter.com/EjCwl5uzZN

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 12, 2025

“Today, we discussed that this aid will continue,” Pistorius said. “We agreed on additional investments in production… both in Ukraine and in Germany.”

Zelenskyy welcomed the initiative, describing the joint ventures as an “expression of deep trust in Berlin.” He added that the localized production of “very high-quality” German air defense systems could begin in Ukraine, suggesting that future IRIS-T systems might be assembled domestically.

The bilateral production model reflects an evolving understanding of modern warfare. Pistorius pointed out that “the picture of war has changed” from conventional tank and jet warfare to include advanced drone combat and electromagnetic tactics, making Ukraine’s frontline experience an asset for both countries. According to German defense officials, the first results of the co-production are expected in the coming months.

Air defense remains a priority

The urgency of air defense is underscored by recent events. On June 10, Russia launched a massive missile and drone barrage on Kyiv, one of the largest since the invasion began. Ukraine’s air defense successfully intercepted most of the threats, but officials warn that without consistent resupply and upgrades, the country’s protective shield will erode.

In May, Germany and Ukraine signed a $2.54 billion deal for the delivery of four full IRIS-T SLM units. Each system includes mobile launchers, radar systems, command centers, and guided missiles. The three-year delivery plan builds upon that contract, ensuring Ukraine receives sustained air defense reinforcement.

While the IRIS-T systems have proven effective, Ukrainian officials have been vocal about the need for long-range strike capabilities to hit Russian logistics, command centers, and supply depots beyond the frontlines. So far, only the United States and the U.K., along with France, have supplied such systems, including the ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP missiles.

Initial restrictions from Western suppliers allowed usage only within Ukrainian territory. These limitations began easing in late 2024 as Russia intensified attacks on border regions and beyond.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Berlin for talks with Chancellor Merz focused heavily on the future of Ukraine’s defense industry and long-term cooperation with Germany. With uncertainty surrounding future U.S. support, particularly under the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, European countries are increasingly stepping up their military commitments.

Germany’s pledge of $10 billion in 2025 and its emphasis on joint production mark a significant deepening of bilateral ties. Though the Taurus remains off the table for now, the scale and scope of German assistance underline Berlin’s critical role in sustaining Ukraine’s defense capabilities.