First apperance of IRIS-T
2022.10.19 - Kyiv
Likely the first action of IRIS-T in Ukraine near Kyiv.
IRIS-T
2023.03.05
Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force: German-supplied Ukrainian IRIS-T air defense division has destroyed more than 60 air targets since October 2022.Decoy Targeted
2024.01.31
After Ukraine carried out attacks on military targets in Crimea, the Russians naturally claim that they destroyed one of the three IRIS-T SLM air defence systems supplied to Ukraine by Germany. Let's have a closer look. Firstly, before we start, they would have destroyed only a single launcher and not the entire system. Just to be clear. I have to admit, we have seen much worse decoys, but this is also a decoy launcher. The antennas in the video are the same length (which is normally not the case), the wire around the antennas is missing (perhaps due to the poor quality of the video), but also, and this is the most important clue, the hydraulics are completely missing or completely misrepresented.
Missile Cost - High value at low cost
2024.02
The ongoing war in Ukraine has put modern air defense systems to the test, with varying levels of cost and effectiveness. Among the systems deployed, the IRIS-T has proven to be one of the most efficient, achieving an impressive intercept rate of over 99%. At $450,000 per missile, it strikes a balance between affordability and high performance.
The Patriot PAC-3, while highly capable, comes at a significantly higher cost of $3.7 million per missile. Though it plays a crucial role in intercepting high-value threats, its price makes it less feasible for widespread deployment compared to the IRIS-T.
NASAMS, another key system in Ukraine, uses the AMRAAM 120 missile, costing nearly $1 million per shot. While effective, it remains a costlier option compared to IRIS-T, which has demonstrated similar or better efficiency at a lower price.
For short-range threats, the Stinger MANPADS has been a valuable asset. However, at $480,000 per missile, it is slightly more expensive than IRIS-T, despite being a different class of weapon designed for portable use against low-altitude threats.
Overall, IRIS-T has emerged as the most cost-effective and reliable solution for Ukraine, offering high interception rates at a manageable cost. While other systems serve essential roles, IRIS-T’s balance of affordability and effectiveness makes it a standout performer in the conflict.
Performance under Lt. Col. Kyryl Peretyatka
2024.06.10
Overview:Lieutenant Colonel Kyryl Peretyatka, the commander of an anti-aircraft missile unit, has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in aerial defense operations. His unit, reportedly operating an IRIS-T battery, has achieved significant success in intercepting and neutralizing airborne threats.
Operational Achievements:
Under Lt. Col. Peretyatka's command, the unit has launched a total of 145 missiles, resulting in the destruction of 139 enemy air targets. These targets primarily included Kh-101, Kh-55, Kh-555, and Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as various attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Details
Lt. Col. Kyrylo Peretiatko, commander of an air defense missile unit, has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership in the defense of Ukrainian airspace. Under his command, the unit has executed 145 missile launches, successfully neutralizing 139 air threats, including Kh-101, Kh-55, Kh-555, and Kalibr cruise missiles, as well as various strike drones.
One of the most intense and successful engagements led by Lt. Col. Peretiatko occurred in the summer of 2023 within the operational area of the Air Command "West." During this engagement, Russian forces launched a massive missile and airstrike, targeting a critical asset with a coordinated attack involving 12 Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles. Peretiatko's unit intercepted and destroyed nine of these missiles, with an additional missile downed by a mobile fire team.
Following the missile strike, the enemy deployed 12 Shahed-131/136 attack drones, attempting to strike the same target from multiple directions. The unit effectively neutralized 10 of these drones, while mobile fire teams took down the remaining two. In conjunction with the drones, four additional Kalibr missiles were launched, all of which were successfully intercepted by the unit.
The engagement intensified when Russian strategic bombers launched a second wave of cruise missiles. Despite the ongoing battle, Lt. Col. Peretiatko’s unit managed to reload their launchers and down an additional 12 air-launched cruise missiles. This concluded one of the most challenging air battles the unit had faced.
For his personal courage and heroism in defending Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as his dedicated service to the Ukrainian people, Lt. Col. Kyrylo Peretiatko was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Order of the "Golden Star" by the President of Ukraine.
Reflecting on the exhausting nature of these operations, Lt. Col. Peretiatko remarked on the constant uncertainty and readiness required for air defense missions. His unit frequently relocates and conducts rapid marches over hundreds of kilometers to protect critical assets across all regions of Ukraine. Despite the physical and emotional toll, the unit remains resolute in their mission to defend Ukraine's skies and ultimately achieve victory.
Lt. Col. Peretiatko also expressed a personal goal on the battlefield: to down an enemy aircraft. He believes that his unit deserves to see the helmet of a defeated Russian pilot on the ground, as a symbol of justice for the atrocities committed by these "vultures."
Telegram
IRIS-T: A Game-Changer in Ukraine’s Air Defense
2024.06.14
In the ongoing fight to protect Ukraine’s skies, the IRIS-T air defense system has proven to be an exceptional asset. The air defense units of the Western Air Command are operating in various regions of the country, ensuring maximum effectiveness in countering aerial threats. Their latest success story is nothing short of remarkable: one IRIS-T launcher fired 23 missiles, hitting and destroying 23 incoming Russian cruise missiles, including Kh-101 and Kalibr types.
Precision and Efficiency in Action
The effectiveness of IRIS-T is not only in its advanced technology but also in the efficiency of the crews operating it. Their task is clear: rapidly deploy the system, transfer control to the command center, and secure the area. As the crew chief explained: “We execute this swiftly and efficiently. Once the launcher is deployed, we move to a safe distance and focus on its protection and security.” Once positioned, the system is remotely controlled by specialists at the command center, who receive real-time target data from radar units and make split-second decisions to engage threats. The 100% success rate in intercepting enemy missiles is a testament to the seamless coordination and expertise of the entire team.Mastering the IRIS-T System
The Ukrainian crews have quickly adapted to operating the German-made IRIS-T system. After undergoing rigorous training in Germany, they returned to Ukraine and integrated the technology into their air defense operations. Within just two weeks of deployment, they successfully intercepted their first enemy missile. “All our launchers have a flawless interception record. We trained intensively in Germany, returned home, received our equipment, and started eliminating threats immediately,” said the commander of the IRIS-T division. “Since then, our duty in the air defense system has been continuous. We will keep protecting our skies and taking down enemy threats until victory is ours.”shepetivka.com.ua
Report on the Performance of the IRIS-T Air Defense System in Ukraine
2024.08.12
Since October 2022, the German IRIS-T air defense system has been actively defending Ukraine's airspace. The system has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, with over 240 successful engagements against air threats between October 2022 and June 2024. According to the manufacturer, Diehl Defence, every missile launched by the IRIS-T in Ukraine has hit its target, achieving a remarkable 100% success rate.
This outstanding performance underscores the IRIS-T's reliability and precision in combat situations, making it a crucial component of Ukraine's air defense capabilities during the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine MoD
Decoy Targeted by Iskander
2024.08.16
Overview of IRIS-T killmarks
2025.03.15
Summary of recent images of confirmed kills with IRIS-T. It appears that each Battery avrages just above 100 kills. In total it there were 6 batteries and 658 missiles supplied for them, with a claimed intercept rate of over 99%.
