It's Not About Patriot: Expert Explains Why Israel's Experience Is Important for Ukraine

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The issue of protection against air attacks cannot be resolved using Patriot systems alone; other tools are also required, the expert asserts. In matters of “closing the skies” over Ukraine, it is necessary to take into account the experience of Israel, which has been conducting military operations continuously for many years.

This was stated by Lieutenant General, former Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Igor Romanenko.

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He noted that the problems with the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine from allied countries require a comprehensive approach.

“The issue cannot be resolved with Petrots alone. We must focus on the experience of countries where a similar situation exists, for example, Israel, which is at war. Its experience in this regard is fundamentally important,” Romanenko said.

According to him, studying the Israeli experience is important, but Ukraine cannot yet fully adapt it to its conditions due to the intensity of military operations. However, Romanenko emphasizes the need to continue working in this direction, including the use of other systems that could complement the Patriot.

The Patriot story with Israel concerns the complex negotiations and circumstances surrounding the delivery of these systems. Israel has traditionally been reluctant to transfer advanced military technology to Ukraine, seeking to maintain strategic balance in the region. However, given the threats Ukraine faces, experts are calling for studying and adapting Israel’s experience in the air defense sector.

Ukraine is now forced to “fight” for every additional weapon, including air defense systems. As Romanenko noted, the difficulties in obtaining the necessary weapons are related to the intensity of the conflict and the need for active military diplomacy.

Israel has considerable experience in protecting its airspace, due to constant threats from terrorist groups and neighboring states. Key aspects of Israel's experience include:

Multi-level air defense system: This is a multi-layered air defense system capable of intercepting short- and medium-range missiles. The system is capable of detecting and destroying missiles in the air, which significantly reduces damage and casualties among the population.
Pre-emptive strike strategy: Israel actively uses preemptive strike tactics, destroying missile launchers and ammunition depots before they are used against the country. This helps reduce the likelihood of massive missile attacks.
Intelligence and Technology: Israel has made significant investments in intelligence and technology systems that help identify threats at an early stage. This includes both real-time intelligence and the development of cyber defenses.
Flexibility and adaptation: Israel quickly adapts its strategies to changing threats. For example, after the advent of more powerful missiles, Israel developed additional layers of defense, such as the David's Sling and Arrow systems, which protect against longer-range missiles and ballistic threats.
Civil defense: Israel has a well-developed civil defense system, including bomb shelters, warning systems, and training for the population in air raid response. This helps minimize civilian casualties.

For Ukraine, which faces massive missile attacks from Russia, Israel's experience could be useful in creating a more effective air defense system.

Israel uses a multi-layered air defense system that includes several components, each of which is responsible for protecting against different types of threats:

“Iron Dome” — the lower level of the system, designed to intercept short-range missiles and artillery shells.
“David's Sling” — the average level of the system, designed to protect against medium-range missiles and large artillery shells.
“Hetz” — the upper level of the system, designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles.
Air and missile defense based on Patriot systems – used to protect against more serious threats such as aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.

This multi-layered system allows Israel to effectively respond to various types of threats, including massive rocket attacks, which is especially important in conditions of constant military tension. Ukrainian military experts would benefit from studying this experience to create a similar system, given the intensity and diversity of threats that Ukraine faces.

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