Zelensky: Ukraine has one Patriot system, two more to follow in the fall

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Kyiv is already using a Patriot air defense system, which he described as Israeli. Two more systems are to be delivered to Ukraine in the fall, reports the Times of Israel.

This is an older Patriot model that Israel had in stock and was originally manufactured in the US. Ukraine received it under the PURL mechanism, which allows the US to supply weapons to NATO partners, who then pass them on to Ukraine.

Zelensky emphasized that this system—along with missiles for Patriot and HIMARS—is one of the key components of Ukraine's defense. He also explained that Ukraine has now established its own production of combat drones, but that financial constraints are slowing down its expansion.

From late September to early October, a Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to travel to the US for technical talks on weapons procurement and a drone agreement.

(mja)