A pproximately 90 Patriot missiles previously stored in Israel are being sent to Ukraine in a transfer coordinated by the United States, a U.S. defense official confirmed.
Israel, which retired its Patriot air defense systems in April, had been storing the missiles after operating them for over 30 years. Discussions regarding the transfer began last summer as the Biden administration sought to supply Ukraine with the unused missiles to bolster its air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks.
Israel’s Cautious Approach
Israel’s involvement in the transfer has been limited, reflecting its careful diplomatic balance with Russia. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to maintain neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, complicating efforts to finalize the deal. The missiles were first handed over to the United States before being shipped to Ukraine.
Patriot System Legacy
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) integrated the Patriot systems into their military in 1991, using them for 19 interceptions, including notable deployments during the 2014 war with Hamas and the current conflict. However, the IDF has increasingly relied on other systems, such as the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missiles, to address a broader spectrum of aerial threats.
The missile transfer underscores the evolving international efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses as the conflict with Russia intensifies.
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