Israel has quietly transferred Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky revealed in a recent interview.
Israeli Patriot Systems Deployed in Ukraine
Speaking in Ukrainian, Ambassador Brodsky confirmed that Israel supplied Ukraine with Patriot missile defense systems that had been operational since the early 1990s.
“These systems are in Ukraine. These are Israeli Patriot systems that were used in the early 1990s. We have agreed to transfer them to Ukraine,” Brodsky said.
He emphasized the significance of the aid, stating:
“It is unfortunate that this is not talked about more. When people say Israel does not give military aid—that is simply not true.”
Details of the Transfer Remain Unclear
Ambassador Brodsky did not disclose how many Patriot systems were transferred or the timeline of the delivery. However, previous media reports suggested discussions between the United States, Israel, and Ukraine about the transfer of up to eight systems—though no official confirmation was provided at the time.
U.S. and Israeli Cooperation
According to a New York Times report dated May 4, 2025, one Israeli Patriot system is expected to be transferred to Ukraine following U.S. approval. Citing unnamed officials, the report said the system is an older version and may arrive by summer 2025.
Under U.S. export laws, all third-party transfers of Patriot missile systems require Washington’s authorization.
Ukraine’s Patriot Defense Capability
As of May 2025, Ukraine had eight Patriot systems, though only six were fully operational. The remaining two were undergoing routine maintenance or repairs.
If Israel and another NATO country—possibly Germany or Greece—each contribute one additional system, Ukraine’s total number of Patriots could rise to ten, according to U.S. defense officials.
High Cost and High Demand
A single Patriot air defense system costs over $1 billion and requires around 90 trained personnel for operation. Ukraine first received U.S. Patriot systems in April 2023, but by early 2024, faced a shortage of interceptor missiles, impacting their defense readiness.
Zelensky Urges Allies for More Support
In April 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to purchase 10 Patriot systems from the U.S. for $15 billion, with European allies prepared to help finance the deal. However, he admitted that no response had yet been received from Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to Zelensky’s ongoing requests by stating the Ukrainian leader “is always looking to buy more missiles.”
Zelensky has repeatedly urged Western allies to boost Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, especially amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks across major cities.
