Ukraine has entered into negotiations with the US and Israel to acquire at least 8 Israeli Patriot missile systems, in an effort to strengthen its air defenses against persistent Russian attacks, according to the Financial Times report.
While details are still being finalized, it seems likely that Israel might first sell the systems to the United States. The US would then handle the final delivery to Ukraine, potentially keeping Israel separate from directly supplying Ukraine.
Discussions regarding the Patriot air defense system are underway between the three countries, involving Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
“Ukraine continues to work with various countries around the world on obtaining additional Patriot systems,” Kuleba said. “We once again urge all countries that have such systems to provide them to Ukraine,” he added.
The Israeli systems are older models M901 PAC. Analysts point out that older Israeli interceptor missiles have a longer range and larger warhead than the new PAC-3 model, making them potentially well-suited to intercept Russian fighter jets attacking Ukrainian cities and military positions from behind enemy lines.
Additionally, Israel possesses significant stockpiles of these interceptor missiles, which Ukraine critically needs, along with launchers.“The PAC-2 is actually more useful than the PAC-3 for long-range interception, so they will definitely be useful,” according to Justin Bronk, a senior fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London.
Providing Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine would be a significant boost to their ability to defend themselves amid Russian attacks on critical infrastructure. Ukraine currently has at least four of these systems, provided by the US and Germany.
Earlier, The United States announced, it would redirect all existing orders for Patriot air defense systems and interceptor missiles to Ukraine until it has the needed volume of air defense to defend itself against Russian strikes.
