Israelis Petition to Send Decommissioned Patriot Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

Israeli citizens have launched a campaign urging their government to transfer decommissioned Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine.

This initiative comes after Israel's decision to phase out the MIM-104 Patriot air defense system in favor of domestically developed David's Sling systems.

The Israeli Air Force has announced plans to retire several Patriot batteries, also known as Yahalom, in the coming months. This decision has prompted citizens to launch a petition calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant to consider transferring these Patriot systems to Ukraine to aid in its defense against Russian aggression.

The petition underscores the ongoing conflict in Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022 and stresses the importance of international solidarity in countering the threat posed by Russia. It emphasizes the need to leverage defense technology to support Ukraine's efforts in protecting its airspace.

"Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, we have witnessed daily aerial attacks against the citizens of Ukraine, who are being killed by the ruthless Russian government. Iran and Russia are increasing the supply of weapons to terrorist organizations, collaborating in the development and use of unconventional weapons against humanity, and aiding each other in destroying our countries. It is fitting that we join forces, forge a strong alliance, and support each other through technology transfer, development of knowledge resources, and international advocacy," the appeal reads.

Currently, at least four out of seven Patriot systems remain in a state of combat readiness. These complete Patriot batteries are of the PAC-2 version. In the early 2000s, the AN/MPQ-53 batteries and their radars underwent a comprehensive upgrade, integrating more modern GEM-T missiles adapted for intercepting ballistic missiles.