Germany to deliver three more IRIS-T systems to Ukraine as soon as possible - Scholz

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said this in a speech at the opening of the 5th German-Ukrainian Business Forum on the reconstruction of Ukraine in Berlin on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Scholz noted that the Russian invasion on February 24 became a terrible point in history in general and, first and foremost, in the history of Ukraine and Ukrainians.

"We support your country politically, financially, economically, humanitarianly, and with weapons. Yes, we are also talking about this at the economic conference. [...] Russia's attacks on civilian infrastructure show that everything must be done to rebuild and protect Ukrainian cities, villages, bridges, streets and railroad tracks. Therefore, I am very glad that our anti-aircraft missile systems and anti-aircraft self-propelled units, and now also IRIS-T, are in Ukraine. [...] This [IRIS-T] system can protect a large city. We will deliver three more such systems to Ukraine as soon as possible," Scholz said.

He said that Germany, together with its partners, would support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

"This applies to wartime as well as reconstruction. You can rely on Germany, the EU and other friends in the world," he said.

On October 11, Germany supplied Ukraine with the first IRIS-T air defense system. On October 14, the Ukrainian Air Force said the system was already on combat duty.

The IRIS-T SLM is the most advanced German-made air defense system. It is not even in service with the German Armed Forces yet. The system was developed by Germany's defense company Diehl Defence.

The system is designed to destroy cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as aircraft, helicopters and UAVs.