Israel plans to abandon the Patriot complexes in two months and switch to more advanced air defense systems.
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This was reported on April 30 by The Times of Israel.
We realized that we needed to move forward and improve our methods of protection. Innovation in the system [протиповітряної оборони] provide better operational and technical response, says the commander of one of the Israeli air defense battalions.
The publication notes that the further fate of the mothballed Patriot batteries, which Ukraine really needs, is still unknown.
In February, Israel’s PS said it was in the process of decommissioning several Patriot batteries, also known locally as Yahalom. The personnel of the complexes will undergo retraining for other systems.
We are currently in the process of downsizing [кількості] batteries until all systems are withdrawn, said the chief of the 138th battalion of the air defense group, which is armed with the Patriot battery.
The decommissioned batteries will be replaced with more advanced air defense systems, in particular the David’s Sling system and the well-known Israeli-designed Iron Dome.
The publication emphasizes that “it is not yet clear what will happen to the Patriot batteries, which are very necessary for Ukraine, which is seeking to protect its skies from Russian missiles.”
It is known that the Israel Defense Forces have several batteries of Patriot PAC-2 air defense systems in service. They are armed with GEM-T missiles and are capable of intercepting air targets at a distance of up to 160 km and have the potential to intercept ballistic targets.
According to journalists from The War Zone, at the end of 2023, Israel had 8 batteries with an unknown number of launchers.
Also, judging by the photographs on the network, we can conclude that they are based on both semi-trailers and the chassis of German MAN trucks.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.