A decommissioned Patriot air defense system from Israel will be transferred to Ukraine after refurbishment, according to U.S. officials speaking to The New York Times. The delivery is expected this summer as part of enhanced Western military support to Ukraine.
The system, previously operated by the Israeli Air Force, will strengthen Ukraine's air defense capabilities amid intensified Russian missile and drone attacks. Currently, Ukraine operates six functional Patriot systems, with two others undergoing maintenance.
With the addition of the Israeli system and another expected from either Germany or Greece, Ukraine's total Patriot arsenal would increase to ten units. These systems are primarily intended to protect the capital Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities from aerial threats.
The transfer agreement was reportedly secured during the Biden administration in September, before the recent U.S. presidential election. The Defense Department confirmed it continues providing equipment to Ukraine from previously authorized packages.
The news comes as Russia has increased attacks on Ukrainian territory, including a devastating missile strike on Kyiv on April 24, described as the deadliest since last summer.
Four current and former U.S. officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, declined to comment on President Trump's position regarding additional Patriot system transfers to Ukraine.
The White House National Security Council maintains its policy of not discussing specifics about defense system placement and capabilities. Their spokesman James Hewitt reiterated President Trump's stance that he wants to see an end to the war and the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine.