Ukraine Signs Powerful Agreement To Produce IRIS-T Missiles
- 18.04.2026, 9:25
A strategic contract has been signed.
Ukraine and German company Diehl Defense have agreed on new deliveries of IRIS-T and joint development of missiles for F-16. The parties agreed to dramatically increase deliveries and start joint projects in the field of aviation weapons.
This is reported by Charter97.org with reference to the information of the Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov on Linkedin.
The IRIS-T SLM and IRIS-T SLS installations have already become the foundation of a multi-layered defense of the Ukrainian skies. Diehl Defense CEO Helmut Rauch officially confirmed these plans. These are "concrete solutions" that will enable faster availability of scarce missiles to intercept enemy targets.
"We are focusing on increasing and accelerating the supply of missiles for IRIS-T systems. These systems have already proven their effectiveness in combat conditions and are a key component of the air defense architecture," Mikhail Fedorov noted.
Missiles for F-16s and the fight against ballistics
In addition, Ukraine and German arms makers discussed the development of missile projects specifically for F-16 fighters. This could be a technological breakthrough for the Ukrainian Air Force.
What areas have become priorities:
development of new air-to-air missiles;
introduction of technologies to combat ballistic missiles;
delivery of long-range ammunition with EU funding;
improvement of radar systems (radar).
A separate point of the agreement was the possibility of testing the latest defense solutions directly in Ukraine. The combat experience of the AFU will help German engineers to improve equipment in real time.
Fedorov emphasized that this cooperation is systemic. It not only covers the current needs of the front, but also creates a base for the future security of the entire continent.
"I am grateful to Diehl Defense for its support and willingness to expand cooperation. This is a systemic work that strengthens the defense of Ukraine's skies and increases security throughout Europe," the minister said.