Israel Confirms Multiple Patriot Systems Delivered to Ukraine

Israel has officially confirmed transferring multiple MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine, marking a significant escalation of its military support amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. These systems, originally part of Israel's arsenal in the early 1990s and received from the United States, were decommissioned and subsequently agreed to be transferred to Ukraine, enhancing Kyiv's air defense capabilities against Russian missile and drone attacks. Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky emphasized that despite prior underreporting, Israel has provided substantial military assistance, countering claims to the contrary. The transfer operation involved U.S. Air Force logistics, moving the systems from Israel to Poland and then to Ukraine, reflecting coordinated international support. Brodsky, who has faced criticism in Israel for his pro-Ukrainian stance, expressed hope for peace during his diplomatic mission, highlighting the strategic importance of these Patriot systems in intercepting advanced Russian threats, including hypersonic missiles. Discussions between the U.S., Israel, and Ukraine around these transfers have been ongoing since 2024, with recent shipments reinforcing Ukraine's defensive posture.