- Israel is looking into sending its Iron Dome system to Ukraine,
- Israel has a complex relationship with Russia and has so far held off aiding Ukraine militarily.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his government is considering sending its Iron Dome to Ukraine.
The Iron Dome is possibly the world’s most advanced missile defence system, designed to intercept barrages of rockets and artillery shells. Iron Dome is a mobile air defence system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Défense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. It can intercept short-range rockets, artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system comprises the Tamir interceptor and its launcher, combat management, and control (BMC) system, and an ELM 2084 multi-mission radar (MMR). It can locate and intercept targets up to a range of 70 kilometres.
While it has sent equipment like helmets and protective vests, as well as humanitarian aid, Israel’s government has so far held off on sending lethal military aid to Ukraine. Ukraine made a formal request to Israel for Iron Dome and other high-tech defence weaponry in October last year, as reported by The Times of Israel .
Asked when Israel might make a decision, Netanyahu — who only re-entered office as the country’s prime minister in late December said, “I wouldn’t make any firm commitment”.
Israel has a complex relationship with Russia over both countries’ activities in Syria, experts say, this is likely to be part of the calculation.
Russia wields considerable military control in Syria, but appears to tolerate Israel’s activities targeting groups there that have ties to Israel’s regional foe, Iran, experts told to the media.
SAGAR RATH
