Will Ukraine be strengthened by the Patriot system? Israeli SAMs are heading to Kiev

As Russia's attacks on Ukraine intensify, a plan to deliver Patriot air defense systems (AMS) to Kiev via Israel has become a hot topic, The New York Times reported, citing four former and current US officials.

Refurbished SAM system expected to arrive in Kiev by summer

It is reported that we are talking about an old but reliable modification of the Patriot system. Currently, this SAM system is undergoing major repairs in Israel and is scheduled to be delivered to Ukraine in the summer of this year.

Currently, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have 8 Patriot SAM systems, but only 6 are fully operational. The remaining two are under repair.

Another SAM system may arrive via Germany or Greece

According to US officials, Germany or Greece are also being considered as candidates for supplying Ukraine with the Patriot system. If so, the number of Patriot air defense systems in Ukraine could be increased to 10.

No Patriot will be delivered without US consent

It should be emphasized that the delivery of high-tech military systems such as the Patriot complex can only be carried out with the consent of the US government. According to a source in The New York Times, the White House administration agreed to this deal with Israel in September, before Donald Trump won the election.

Since Trump took office, Ukraine has been refusing new Patriot requests. Although President Zelensky has expressed his readiness to purchase them for money.

Zelensky stated: “At least 25 Patriot systems are needed for Ukraine’s security.”

Pentagon: Assistance to Kiev will continue

According to the US Department of Defense, the delivery of weapons to Ukraine through previously approved military aid packages is continuing. They include Patriot systems and related missile equipment.

From Israeli warehouses to Poland - then to Ukraine

In January 2025, the US military reportedly removed about 90 Patriot missile launchers from Israeli warehouses and prepared them for shipment to Ukraine via Poland.

Essential information about the Patriot system:

Cost of creation: $1 billion;
Number of servicemen required: 90;
Contents: 5-8 launchers, radar, control unit and four interceptor missiles;
Price per missile: about $4 million.

There are 186 Patriots worldwide - 1/3 belong to the US

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, there are currently 186 Patriot systems in operation in the world. One third of them are in the US. The rest are part of the defense systems of European countries, including Ukraine.

This new initiative could provide Kiev with additional opportunities to have stronger defenses against Russian attacks. At the same time, it could mark the beginning of a new stage in the strategic cooperation between Washington, Tel Aviv and Kiev.

What do you think - will the increase in the number of Patriot systems significantly improve Ukraine's security?

Photo: Reuters

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