Ukraine to Receive One Patriot from Israel, Possibly Another from Germany or Greece – NYT

An important decision regarding assistance to Ukraine – the Patriot air defense system, which was based in Israel, will be transferred to Ukraine after modernization. There is also consideration of transferring another system from Germany or Greece. This will be an important step in strengthening the protection of Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks.

This was reported on May 4, 2025, by The New York Times.

According to four current and former U.S. officials, the Patriot system, which was based in Israel, is an older model and will be sent to Ukraine after a major overhaul.

The officials, as noted by NYT, declined to reveal U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on the decision to transfer new air defense systems to Ukraine and did not specify when the decision was made—before or after his return to the White House.

The Importance of the Patriot System for Ukraine’s Defense

Ukraine is facing serious challenges in protecting its skies from Russian aggression. Due to constant missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, particularly Kyiv, the Patriot system has become a key element of defense. However, despite already received help from international partners, the need for further strengthening of air defense remains extremely high.

The Patriot System from Israel

Patriot, which was based in Israel, will be sent to Ukraine after a major overhaul. This system is crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, as it can intercept ballistic missiles and other threats coming from the air. According to U.S. officials, Ukraine will receive one modernized system, which will significantly improve its ability to defend against missile attacks.

The Possibility of an Additional System from Germany or Greece

According to NYT, there is consideration of transferring another Patriot system from Germany or Greece. This will allow Ukraine to substantially increase the number of air defense systems necessary to effectively protect large territories.

In total, with new deliveries from Israel and the potential addition from Germany or Greece, Ukraine could have up to 10 Patriot systems, which will be an important step in strengthening the country’s defense.

The Ukrainian Army and New Systems

According to the head of communications for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Ignat, Ukraine currently cannot fully defend against ballistic missiles due to a limited number of Patriot systems. Ignat noted that the available systems only allow for the protection of key cities, and to protect larger areas, a significant increase in the number of air defense systems is required.

Currently, Ukraine has already received 8 Patriot systems, but only 6 of them are operational. 2 systems are under modernization, giving hope for further improvements in defense capabilities. With new deliveries from Israel and the possible addition from Germany or Greece, Ukraine will be able to strengthen the defense of its cities, including Kyiv, from Russian attacks.

Patriot Deliveries Decision: Political Aspects

Interest in expanding the delivery of Patriot systems is also growing amid political discussions in the U.S. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a clear desire for the war in Ukraine to end as soon as possible, but he declined to provide details about the decision to deliver weapons. At the same time, the Pentagon continues to supply defense equipment from already approved packages, including not only air defense but also other armaments.

Key Facts:

• 8 Patriot Systems: Ukraine has already received 8 Patriot systems, of which only 6 are operational. Two others are under restoration.
• 1 System from Israel: Israel will transfer one modernized Patriot system to Ukraine.
• 1 System from Germany or Greece: There is consideration of transferring another system from Germany or Greece.

Delivery Delays and Plans for the Future

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, stated that for full protection of the country from Russian missiles and drones, Ukraine needs 25 Patriot systems. Current deliveries may provide partial protection, but for full security of large territories, more systems are needed.

At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that the process of delivering new systems has taken longer than expected, but Ukraine will soon receive additional Patriot systems from Western allies.

The Significance of This Step for International Relations

The transfer of Patriot systems to Ukraine is an important step in strengthening its defense capabilities and also demonstrates solidarity from international partners. This move also highlights the importance of supporting Ukraine amid Russian aggression and within the context of relations between Israel and Ukraine – NAnews – News.