The United States plans to transfer Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine from stockpiles that were previously deployed in Israel, reports the American publication The New York Times, citing sources within the U

Chas Pravdy - 04 May 2025 16:15

S. government. According to journalists, preparations for delivering this advanced system are already actively being discussed, and preliminary estimates suggest that the delivery will take place no later than summer 2024. This decision is one of the examples of strengthening military and technical support for Ukraine amid increasing tensions and new missile attacks from Russia, which have led to casualties and destruction in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. According to unofficial sources, four current and former high-ranking American officials confirmed the information about transferring one of the Patriot systems previously stationed in Israel, which will undergo necessary repairs and upgrades before being sent to Ukraine. At the same time, discussions are ongoing among Western allies regarding the possibility of supplying an additional system, likely through Germany or Greece. This would increase the number of operational systems in Ukraine, which currently operates eight such units, two of which are undergoing repairs. Experts estimate that with the planned deliveries of the Israeli system and possibly additional systems via Germany or Greece, Ukraine could have up to 10 Patriot systems. These would be capable of covering key targets and strengthening the country’s air defenses. Sources within the U.S. government in Washington noted that the Patriot system from Israel, which is to be delivered to Ukraine, is an older model. However, it is probably still capable of performing its functions effectively, especially since it is undergoing testing and upgrades. According to U.S. authorities, there are more than 180 Patriot systems in operation worldwide, a third of which belong to the United States. The U.S. actively uses this equipment to defend allies across various regions—from Europe and the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific. American Patriot systems are particularly utilized in response to the growing military activities of China and North Korea. For example, Israel has received additional systems due to regional security challenges. Defense experts report that Europe has about 40 Patriot systems, several of which are currently in Ukraine. The approximate cost of one such system is around one billion dollars—an advanced military technology that requires not only significant financial investment but also skilled maintenance. Operating a system requires a team of roughly 90 military personnel capable of ensuring its functionality and technical servicing. This step builds upon the active diplomatic and military support Ukraine has received from the U.S. Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that bilateral agreements concerning natural resources and potential military contracts with the U.S. could facilitate the procurement of additional air defense systems. Ukraine has long requested modern air defense equipment from the U.S., and during the previous Trump administration, there were considerations to purchase such systems through partner countries in Europe. In response to Kyiv’s initial requests, American officials hinted that the supply of Patriot systems has political and military dimensions, with some even suggesting that Zelensky “started a war” with Western countries over the desire to acquire this high-tech weaponry. Amid escalating conflict, the issue of providing air defense systems remains a central element of negotiations between Washington and Kyiv, highlighting the strategic importance of these agreements for preventing further losses and protecting civilians. Therefore, the coming months will be crucial in expanding Ukraine’s air defense capabilities, notably through Patriot systems—military complexes that have proven themselves in many modern conflicts worldwide. Transferring these systems will be a significant step toward strengthening Ukraine’s defense posture and continuing its fight for sovereignty and security amid large-scale aggression from Russia.

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