Overview
- The U.S. will send a refurbished Patriot air-defense system, previously stationed in Israel, to Ukraine by summer 2025 to bolster its air defenses.
- Western allies, including Germany, are in talks to provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot system, with hopes of finalizing a deal by the end of June ahead of the NATO summit.
- Ukraine currently fields eight Patriot systems, six of which are operational, and the planned additions would bring the total to ten systems, primarily to protect Kyiv from intensified Russian attacks.
- The transfer of Patriot systems is subject to U.S. export regulations, requiring approval even when systems are provided by allied nations like Germany or Greece.
- Russia’s recent escalation of missile and drone attacks, including a deadly strike on Kyiv in April, underscores the urgency for Ukraine to enhance its air defense capabilities.