Category
Latest news

US Transfers 90 Patriot Missiles From Israel to Ukraine in Largest Delivery Since Russian Invasion

2 min read
Authors
US Transfers 90 Patriot Missiles From Israel to Ukraine in Largest Delivery Since Russian Invasion
A Patriot air defense system launcher is deployed during the 'Resilient Guard 2020' air defense exercise. (Source: Getty Images)

The United States has started transferring around 90 interceptors for Patriot air defense systems from Israel to Ukraine, according to Axios on January 28.

Recently, US Air Force C-17 aircraft have been seen landing at an airbase in southern Israel and then heading to Rzeszow, Poland. Sources familiar with the operation indicated that these flights are transporting Patriot interceptors, which are expected to support Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

Israel retired its Patriot system in April 2022, transitioning to its own advanced air defense technologies. Following this, Ukrainian officials reached out to Washington and Tel Aviv, proposing that the missiles be sent to the US for maintenance and then transferred to Ukraine.

According to Axios, for several months, Israel did not respond to the proposal due to concerns over possible reactions from Russia, including the potential for closer military ties between Moscow and Tehran. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the initiative in late September.

An Israeli official clarified that this step was coordinated in advance with Russia and stressed that it involves “returning the Patriot system to the US” rather than a direct transfer of weapons to Ukraine.

Previously, Israeli Ambassador Michael Brodsky stated that his country has made no decisions regarding the transfer of Russian weapons, captured by the Israel Defense Forces from militants, to Ukraine.

See all