Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Patriot air defense system previously stationed in Israel has been operating in Ukraine for the past month, strengthening the country’s ability to counter Russian missile and drone attacks.
He also announced that Kyiv will receive two additional Patriot systems this fall as part of ongoing efforts to expand Ukraine’s air defense network.
“The Israeli system has been operating in Ukraine for a month. We will receive two Patriot systems in the fall. I will not say anything more about Patriot,” Zelensky said, confirming the system’s operational status but declining to provide further details for security reasons.
The Patriot battery — originally deployed by Israel — was transferred to Ukraine following modernization and integration work earlier this year. In May 2025, The New York Times reported that a Patriot system based in Israel would be delivered to Ukraine, highlighting it as part of a broader effort by allies to strengthen Kyiv’s layered air defense architecture.
In June, Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky said that the Patriot systems, which had previously been used to defend Israel’s airspace, were now stationed in Ukraine.
The Patriot — a ground-based surface-to-air missile system built by Raytheon — is one of the most capable air defense platforms in the world. It is designed to intercept and destroy incoming aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles at long ranges and high altitudes. Ukraine has relied on Patriot batteries since 2023 to defend major population centers, protect critical infrastructure, and shield frontline troops from air and missile threats.