Washington is in talks with Tel Aviv and Kiev to supply the Ukrainian army with Israel’s US-made patriot air defense system, as reported by Financial Times (FT) on 28 June.
The developing agreement would see the air defense system transferred first from Israel to the US before being sent to Ukraine.
The deal is being discussed by ministers and senior officials from the US, Israel, and Ukraine, five people familiar with the matter told FT.
Israel had said in April that it was planning to retire the eight Patriot batteries in its possession and replace them with more sophisticated systems. But the batteries have still not been uninstalled over fears of an escalation with Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
The transfer would significantly uptick Ukrainian defensive capabilities, marking a shift in Israeli policy toward Ukraine and its relationship with Russia. Tel Aviv has been cautious not to supply Ukraine with lethal aid, over concerns that it could compromise its use of Syrian airspace, where Russian and Israeli air forces have coordinated for years.
In the past, Israel has rejected providing Ukraine with air defenses.
Despite this, Israeli military vehicles and radars have been spotted on the Ukrainian battlefield, and Tel Aviv has provided intelligence and training assistance.
Moscow has previously threatened retaliation if Israel sends weaponry to Ukraine.
Hellbound and Down 