Germany has delivered the second of four promised IRIS-T SLM surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine.

According to Spiegel's sources, the transfer of one IRIS-T system and 16 missiles to Ukraine occurred several days ago – around April 16. The first IRIS-T was delivered to Ukraine last October.

The German government has been in talks with Sweden about purchasing wheeled launch vehicles for the IRIS-T system. As Spiegel claims, Sweden has already delivered twelve vehicles to Germany but has not yet handed over them to Ukraine.

The ground-based air defenсe system showed itself well in the winter around Kyiv. It made an important contribution to protecting civilian infrastructure from missile, cruise missile, and drone attacks.

It is unclear when the remaining two IRIS-T systems promised by the German government will be sent to Ukraine. They have not yet been manufactured.

Each system comprises three vehicles: a missile launcher, a radar, and a fire-control radar, with integrated logistics and support.

The missiles can hit targets at an altitude of up to 20 kilometers and at a distance of up to 40 kilometers.

Previously, Berlin promised to deliver one battery of Patriot air defence system to Ukraine. One battery includes four to eight launchers, each capable of carrying four missiles.

Earlier, Ukraine had received the first Patriot system from Germany.