Israel Approves Sale of Anti-Drone Systems to Ukraine

Israel has reportedly allowed two of its defense companies – Elbit Systems and Rafael – to sell anti-drone systems to Ukraine.

Local news agency Axios reported that Israel approved the export licenses for the possible sale of anti-drone jamming systems to Kyiv.

This is the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that Israel has given such an approval. Israel feared such a move could create tension with Russia and harm Israeli security interests in Syria.

Israeli officials claim the approval of the export licenses is not a shift in policy because the systems are defensive in nature and do not use any live fire that could kill Russian soldiers.

A Ukrainian official told the outlet that a delegation from the Ukraine’s defense ministry recently visited Israel to see the presentation of the anti-drone systems. However, the parties have not yet signed the final agreement.

The systems Israel proposed for Ukraine to buy use electronic warfare to jam and down drones.