Ukraine may receive new Israeli-designed Iron Dome missile defence systems from the United States, according to Politico, and the U.S. Congress has amended the draft defence budget for 2022.
Our partners probably not only want to help us, but also intend to give away a system that they objectively no longer need. After all, from the very beginning, the United States viewed the Iron Dome purchase as a temporary solution. Washington bought the equipment from Israel in 2019 in order to create its own system that would address the existing shortcomings. It was planned to be used in Afghanistan to protect unit locations from individual strikes. With the withdrawal of American troops, the need for the immediate deployment of these systems disappeared.
The United States is now developing its own system with more operational capabilities. And it is very likely that this year or next year, the Enduring Shield system of American design and production, with much better tactical and technical characteristics than the Israeli system, will be adopted.
In light of this, the U.S. government may agree to the transfer of two “extra” missile batteries to Ukraine. But it is important to understand that such a step will mean significant costs and certain difficulties for Ukraine.
Transferring the Iron Dome will require Israel’s consent. And components for this system will also have to be purchased in Israel, requiring expensive and long-term contracts.
The Iron Dome battery includes a combat control point, an EL / M2084 radar station, and 2-3 launchers with 20 interceptor missiles each. Although the Tamir interceptor missiles are a joint product of Israel and the United States, the rest of the equipment will have to be negotiated with Israel.
Our partners probably not only want to help us, but also intend to give away a system that they objectively no longer need. After all, from the very beginning, the United States viewed the Iron Dome purchase as a temporary solution. Washington bought the equipment from Israel in 2019 in order to create its own system that would address the existing shortcomings. It was planned to be used in Afghanistan to protect unit locations from individual strikes. With the withdrawal of American troops, the need for the immediate deployment of these systems disappeared.
The United States is now developing its own system with more operational capabilities. And it is very likely that this year or next year, the Enduring Shield system of American design and production, with much better tactical and technical characteristics than the Israeli system, will be adopted.
In light of this, the U.S. government may agree to the transfer of two “extra” missile batteries to Ukraine. But it is important to understand that such a step will mean significant costs and certain difficulties for Ukraine.
Transferring the Iron Dome will require Israel’s consent. And components for this system will also have to be purchased in Israel, requiring expensive and long-term contracts.
The Iron Dome battery includes a combat control point, an EL / M2084 radar station, and 2-3 launchers with 20 interceptor missiles each. Although the Tamir interceptor missiles are a joint product of Israel and the United States, the rest of the equipment will have to be negotiated with Israel.