Ukraine's air defense capabilities have been a critical factor in its resistance against Russian missile strikes.
As the conflict nears its third year, Kyiv has received another boost—this time through a complex international arms transfer.
As reported by Digi24, the U.S. military has moved approximately 90 Patriot air defense interceptors from storage in Israel to Ukraine via Poland.
The delivery, a top priority for the Pentagon, is intended to help Kyiv counter ongoing Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.
A Delicate Diplomatic Process
The interceptors come from Israel's stockpile of Patriot systems, which were officially retired from service in 2023.
While Ukraine had requested these weapons for months, Israel initially hesitated, fearing that directly arming Ukraine could provoke retaliation from Russia, possibly through increased military support for Iran.
After prolonged discussions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the transfer in late September.
To avoid diplomatic fallout, Israel emphasized that it was merely returning the equipment to the U.S. rather than directly supplying Ukraine with weaponry.
How Ukraine Will Use the Patriots
The shipment, delivered by U.S. Air Force C-17 transport planes, arrived at Poland’s Rzeszów airbase, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine.
The 90 interceptors will be compatible with Ukraine’s existing Patriot batteries, though additional radar and support equipment will first be refurbished in the U.S. before deployment.
This transfer underscores the ongoing Western efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses while navigating complex geopolitical tensions.
With air attacks continuing, these interceptors could play a crucial role in protecting Ukrainian cities and infrastructure in the months ahead.
