Military historian Knutov spoke about the technical characteristics of the IRIS-T air defense systemsMilitary historian Yuri Knutov told Izvestia on October 11 about the technical characteristics of the IRIS-T SLM air defense systems.
Earlier in the day, Der Spiegel magazine reported that Germany had handed over to Ukraine the first of four IRIS-T SLM air defense systems promised by Berlin.
"The IRIS-T system is based on American air-to-air missiles. Missiles have a number of features — the main thing is that they withstand very large overloads and can have two types of homing heads — a thermal homing head, and with optical image identification, or a radar head with homing," Knutov said.
He noted that the advantage of the complex is that it uses the principle of "shot and forgot".
"That is, the locator finds the target, then the information goes to the missile in the homing head, it captures the target, launches, and then the rocket independently rushes to the target," the historian explained.
He also said that compared to the American-Norwegian complex NASAMS IRIS is fully mobile. According to Knutov, in NASAMS it is necessary to remove the launchers, put them on the ground and only then launch. It takes at least 15 minutes, which makes the complex vulnerable. IRIS lacks this flaw.
"Both complexes can work with other radar stations, complexes of NATO countries. But with Ukrainian systems — these are S-300P, S-300V complexes — they do not mate, so they cannot be included in the unified air defense system of Ukraine. They can only work separately, which requires special targeting and limits combat capabilities," the expert added.
He suggested that Ukraine buys these complexes mainly to combat cruise missiles and drones.
"Time will tell how effective this will be, because neither one nor the other complexes have participated in real combat operations yet," Knutov concluded.
On the eve of the German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock said that Germany is doing everything to strengthen the air defense of Ukraine.
Western countries have increased military supplies to Ukraine in connection with Russia's special military operation to protect Donbass. The decision was made against the background of the aggravation of the situation in the region as a result of shelling by the Ukrainian military.
For more relevant videos and details about the situation in Donbass, watch the Izvestia TV channel.
