Russian Forces Destroy Ukrainian IRIS-T System

The Russian Ministry of Defense has reported the destruction of key Ukrainian military assets, including the German-made IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile system.

The Ministry released drone footage capturing a precise strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, showcasing the destruction of a Ukrainian IRIS-T anti-aircraft system by Russian forces. The targeted strike resulted in a massive explosion, engulfing the launcher and nearby command-and-control vehicles in flames. The intensity of the attack also triggered a secondary explosion of ammunition stored at the site. Additionally, a nearby building identified as a storage depot caught fire due to the strike.

Furthermore, the report highlights the losses suffered by Ukrainian forces, including the destruction of an illumination and guidance radar along with two S-300PT air defense missile launchers.

In a separate development, the Russian military successfully targeted the Balovnoye oil depot, a vital supply point for Ukrainian military units and personnel across 102 regions. This strategic strike aims to disrupt enemy logistics and weaken their operational capabilities in the region.

Additionally, over a 24-hour period, 40 Ukrainian Armed Forces drones were neutralized, underscoring the effectiveness of Russian countermeasures against airborne threats. Furthermore, three guided French Hammer bombs were intercepted and shot down during this timeframe.

The update also included details of ground operations, where units of the Center group of troops successfully destroyed another American Abrams tank within the same 24-hour period.

Ukrainian IRIS-T Anti-Aircraft Systems

Ukraine possessed seven IRIS-T systems, and Germany had committed to providing an additional eight systems in two separate packages announced in November 2023 and January 2024, with Latvia also pledging one system. One of the IRIS-T systems was destroyed in January 2024.

Diehl Defence, the manufacturer of IRIS-T, claimed a high success rate for the system in the ongoing conflict. "The IRIS-T SLM system convinces with its excellent performance in operational use in Ukraine. According to the customer, the system achieved a very high hit rate even during waves of attack with more than 12 targets," the company stated.

The IRIS-T SLM system, designed to counter threats from enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones within a range of up to 40 km and an altitude of up to 20 km, comprises a missile launcher, radar, tactical operations center, workshops, spare parts, and reloading vehicles. It is known for its high tactical mobility and efficient engagement of multiple targets with minimal personnel requirements.