US & Israel to Send More Patriot Missiles to Ukraine
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By Jim Morris, Warrior Vice President, News
The US and Israel reportedly are discussing a plan to send more much-needed Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine.
As many as eight of the systems could be shipped to Ukraine, according to the Wall Street Journal, at a time when the government there is desperate for more air-defense weapons. It’s been reported that Ukraine has four Patriots.
Last week, the Biden administration said it would temporarily halt the deliveries of Patriot and NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) interceptors to overseas customers other than Ukraine and Taiwan. The US called the move necessary to “ensure Ukraine’s survival.”
Russia recently has stepped up missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, and more of the missiles are said to have been making it through air defenses. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his military needs at least seven more Patriot systems.
Officially, the Israeli Patriot batteries have been on loan from the US. In April, the Israel Defense Forces said the weapons would soon be retired. Israel primarily relies on its Iron Dome system for short-range missile defense. It also has the long-range Arrow and the medium-range David’s Sling.
According to CNN, if an agreement is reached, the Israeli-based Patriots would likely be sent to the US for refurbishment before being shipped to Ukraine.
