On April 17, 2025, the German Ministry of Defense officially announced plans to deliver 120 9K38 Igla (MANPADS) portable air defense systems, of Soviet origin, to Ukraine.
It is the first time Germany will supply this specific type of weaponry to Ukraine, marking a significant step forward in Berlin’s military assistance posture in the context of the ongoing war with Russia.
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The 9K38 Igla, known by NATO as the SA-18 “Grouse”, is a shoulder-launched infrared-guided surface-to-air missile developed by the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Compact, mobile, and effective against low-altitude targets such as helicopters, fighter jets, and drones, the system has a range of up to 5.2 km and can hit targets at altitudes up to 3.5 km.
The arrival of these systems on the Ukrainian frontline comes at a strategic time. With increased use of helicopters and loitering munitions by Russian forces — especially in urban areas and dynamic combat zones — the Igla MANPADS offer Ukraine a practical and highly mobile tactical air defense solution.
Unlike larger and more static air defense systems, the Iglas can be quickly repositioned and operated by small groups of soldiers. Their passive infrared guidance also makes them more resistant to electronic countermeasures — a valuable advantage in today’s electronic warfare environment. The system’s “fire-and-forget” feature allows the operator to disengage immediately after launch, improving combat survivability.
Although the German government has not confirmed the exact origin of the Iglas, analysts suggest the weapons may come from former East German (GDR) stockpiles, inherited after the reunification in 1990. At the time, the Bundeswehr absorbed a large quantity of Soviet-made weapons, many of which were later decommissioned or placed in strategic reserves.
Sending the IGLAs to Ukraine symbolizes not only the deepening military cooperation between Berlin and Kyiv but also the repurposing of Cold War arsenals for use in modern-day conflicts. Amid the constant threat of Russian air attacks, these portable systems represent a key addition to Ukraine’s ability to protect troops, logistics hubs, and critical infrastructure across various fronts.
Source: German Ministry of Defense. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
