The remains of a missile launched by an IRIS-T air defense system provided by Germany have been photographed near Kyiv, suggesting that Ukraine has already put the brand-new system to use.
The rear section of the missile was apparently found in a forest near the Ukrainian capital, indicating a possible detonation of the warhead.
The system was likely employed to defend Kyiv from the latest wave of bombardment unleashed by Russia in recent days.
The remains of a surface-to-air missile employed with the IRIS-T SLM air defense system that was recently delivered to Ukraine by Germany were spotted lying on the grass in Kyiv following today’s activity of Ukrainian air defenses over the capital. pic.twitter.com/LkHVGQLgea
— Status-6 (@Archer83Able) October 19, 2022
Multiple explosions were heard in Kyiv on October 17, 18 and 19, 2022, according to Liveuamap.com.
Air defenses around the city were active, according to eyewitness reports. Numerous images, posted by Kyiv residents on social media, show the aftermath of incoming drones or missiles being intercepted.
Ukrainian surface-to-air defense is active over Kyiv. Several explosions seen and heard minutes ago. Here’s the sky over Kyiv. I just snapped this pic. pic.twitter.com/hAF3vF6Ah0
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) October 19, 2022
Statements published on social media accounts belonging to the Ukrainian Air Force claimed that at least 14 cruise missiles and loitering munitions were shot down over Ukraine on October 19, while six loitering munitions, five missiles and one attack aircraft had been shot down on October 18.
The IRIS-T air defense system was delivered to Ukraine on October 12, 2022.