In letter, Ukrainian government requests laser system still in development, US-made Patriot missiles and more; says its ‘expects positive reaction.’
In an official request submitted to Israel this week, the Ukrainian government asked for top air defense systems developed by Israel, some of which are not yet operational, according to a letter obtained by the Axios website.
The outlet cited a copy of the Tuesday letter containing the requests, which stated that Ukraine “is highly interested in obtaining from Israel (in shortest possible terms) defense systems, in particular: Iron Beam, Barak-8, Patriot, Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow Interceptor and Israeli support in training for Ukrainian operators.”
The laser-based Iron Beam, intended for use against short-range missile and mortar attacks as well as drones, is not yet operational. The Patriot missile defense system is made by the US and has not been included in the hardware of Washington’s own multi-billion dollar supplies to Ukraine.
David’s Sling and the Arrow Interceptor, medium- and long-range defense systems respectively, are cutting-edge interceptors.
In justifying the requests, the Ukrainians said that “according to available information… there is a high probability of prompt deliveries to the Russian Federation of Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar ballistic missiles from Iran,” Axios reported.
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