Introduction
Israel maintained limited but continuous military and security ties with Ukraine before and after Russia’s 2022 invasion. While Israel officially stated it would not supply Ukraine with major offensive weapons, Israeli-origin defense systems and technologies nevertheless reached Ukraine through indirect channels, third countries, and foreign subsidiaries of Israeli companies. These transfers included radars, anti-drone systems, drones, armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons, and Patriot air-defense systems previously operated by Israel. By 2025–2026, Israeli and Ukrainian officials publicly discussed expanding defense cooperation between the two countries.
Israel-Ukraine Military Relations
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, Israel has maintained a cautious position toward Ukraine. Israel condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, provided humanitarian and defensive assistance to Kyiv, but avoided supplying major offensive weapons and did not formally join the broad Western sanctions regime against Russia. Israeli officials linked this policy to the context of Iran and to security coordination with Russia in Syria.[1]INSS, Changing Israel’s Policy on Russia and Ukraine, 03.01.2024[2]Hoover Institution, Walking the “Very Narrow Bridge”: Israel’s Calculus Between Russia and Ukraine, 10.10.2025
At the same time, as shown bellow, Israeli defense systems and technologies were transferred to Ukraine indirectly during the war. Israel approved the transfer of civilian missile-warning technology based on the “Red Color” alert system, and Patriot air defense systems formerly operated by Israel were later transferred to Ukraine through the United States. Israeli-origin defense equipment also reached Ukraine through third countries and European subsidiaries of Israeli defense companies.
Military and Security Relations before 2022:
Since 2008, the Ukrainian company RPC Fort published on its website weapons by IWI, including pistols, submachine guns, rifles and the Negev light machine gun, following an agreement to potentially license manufacture IWI products in Ukraine. The nature of the partnership between IWI and RPC Fort was undisclosed, but Tavor rifles with some Fort markings were seen at trade shows. As of 2016, Fort-221 and Fort-223/224 carbines, the Ukrainian version of Tavor rifles, were delivered to the Ukrainian Police and internal security forces . Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a considerable number of Ukrainian Tavor variants were seen in the field with internal security forces and Ukrainian Army and National Guard special forces.[3]Ukraine’s Tavors, The Firearms Blog, 18.05.2022
2017: SandCat Armored Vehicles developed by the Israeli Plasan were received by the Security Service of Ukraine and spotted during festivities on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Security Service of Ukraine.[4]Defence Blog, Security Service of Ukraine received first SandCat Armored Vehicles, 24.03.2017
In June 2021 Israel participated in the navy drill Sea Breeze hosted by the USA and Ukraine.[5]Israel Hayom, Israel to participate in international naval drill in Black Sea, 22.06.2021
In July 2021 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced signing a letter of intent to engage in cyber defense cooperation projects with the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity of Ukraine (NCCC). The projects include formulating cybersecurity methodologies and cooperation on technologies for the detection of cyberattacks.[6]Israel Defense, IAI to help Ukraine strengthen its cyber defenses, 21.07.2021
In February 2022 Intelligence Online reported that the Israeli group Cognyte had worked with Ukrainian interceptions specialist Infozahyst around Cognyte’s contract for the Indonesian intelligence services.[7]Intelligence Online, Ukraine’s Infozahyst to assist Cognyte on Indonesian interceptions contract, 03.02.2022
In March 2022 the New York Times reported that the Israeli government rejected requests from Ukraine to purchase and use the spyware Pegasus by NSO group, for fear of damaging Israel’s relationship with Russia.[8]The New York Times, Israel, Fearing Russian Reaction, Blocked Spyware for Ukraine and Estonia, 23.03.2022
Another possible Israeli-linked security export to Ukraine is the Predator spyware developed by Cytrox and marketed by Intellexa, a company founded by former Israeli intelligence officer Tal Dilian. Greek media have reported that in 2020-2021 the Greek government approved an export license for Predator to Ukraine, although there is no public evidence that the sale was completed.[9]Europost.gr, Σκάνδαλο υποκλοπών : Εξαγωγές λογισμικών παρακολούθησης καί από την Βουλγαρία κάνει εταιρεία … Continue reading[10]Pressing.gr, Η εξαγωγή τεχνολογιών παρακολούθησης από τη Βουλγαρία, η ελληνική διάσταση και ο ρόλος του Ταλ … Continue reading
Military and Security Relations Since 2022:
After Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Israel condemned Russia’s military offensive as unjustified and declared Israel will not be a route to bypass sanctions imposed on Russia.[11]The Times of Israel, Lapid vows Israel won’t be a ‘route to bypass’ sanctions on Russia, 14.03.2022 Later revelation suggest Israeli companies bypassed the sanctions and supplied Russia’s defense sector with high-precision metalworking tools.[12]Bulgarian Military, Russia’s war machine uses Israeli tools despite sanctions, 16.04.2025 Shortly after the invasion Israel also announced it will not deliver weapon systems to Ukraine, with the main reason believed to be Russia’s major presence in Syria.[13]Israel Defense, Israel’s will not provide Ukraine with weapons, says Defense Minister, 20.10.2022
November 2022: According to reports, due to American pressure Israel agreed to finance “strategic materials” worth millions of U.S. dollars to contribute to the Ukrainian war effort. In addition, the Israeli Ministry of Defense eased its guidelines and agreed that NATO members such as the United Kingdom could supply Ukraine with weapons systems containing Israeli components like electro-optical and fire-control systems.[14]Haaretz, Under U.S. Pressure, Israel Funded ‘Strategic Materials’ for Ukraine, 17.11.2022
December 2022: The Israeli company Plasan delivered the first of four armored ambulances ordered by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, as humanitarian aid to Ukraine.[15]Army Recognition, Plasan from Israel delivers to Ukraine first of four armored ambulances, 04.12.2022
December 2022: It was reported Israel provided Ukraine with intelligence on Iran and Iranian-made drones. [16]Haaretz, Israel Gives Ukraine Intelligence on Iran via NATO, 15.12.2022[17]Haaretz, Report: Israel Providing Ukraine With Intel on Russia’s Iranian Drones, 13.10.2022
In January 2025, an Israeli government official proposed handing over Russian-made weapons seized from weapons seized to Ukraine.[18]The Defense Post, Israel Offers to Transfer Russian-Made Weapons to Ukraine, 22.01.2025
In July 2025 Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that Ukraine and Israel will deepen defense cooperation. The announcement was made during Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar’s visit to Kyiv, where he also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.[19]The Jerusalem Post, Israel, Ukraine set to deepen defense cooperation, Kyiv’s FM says, 24.07.2025
In March 2026, amid the US-Israel war with Iran, it was reported that Israel requested a conversation with Ukraine to discuss cooperation on intercepting Iranian drones. Israel refused similar request from Ukraine in October 2022.[20]Militarnyi, Israel Turns to Ukraine on Intercepting Iranian Drones After Refusing Cooperation in 2022, 15.03.2026
Transfers of Israeli Arms to Ukraine since February 2022
Gear and armor:
In May 2022, 1000 Israeli-made gear kits worth $2.5 million were donated to the Ukrainian Army by the Metinvest Group. The kits included bulletproof vests, helmets and night vision systems.[21]Militarnyi, Metinvest handed over 1,000 Israeli special kits to the Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, 22.05.2022
Radars:
In March 2023, Lithuanian volunteers, from the blue/yellow foundation, purchased 16 ieMHR radars by the Israeli company RADA for Ukraine use. The sum for the €14 million purchase was raised in the fundraising campaign.[22]Militarnyi, Lithuanian volunteers purchased tactical radars for Ukraine, 15.03.2023[23]Delfi, In Kaunas Ukrainians learn to use the radars bought by Lithuanians, 14.03.2023 This matches Russian reports about transfers of at least 16 radars of this kind to Ukraine.[24]Israel Defense, Report: Lithuania Allocates Millions to Ukraine, Includes Israeli RADA Radars, 27.08.2024
In May 2023 it was reported that other Radars by Rada were delivered to Ukraine as part of the “Red Alert” detection system that Israel had committed to install in Ukraine. The transfer of such radar systems requires the approval of the Israeli Ministry of Defense.[25]Israel Defense, Ukraine receives Israeli missile warning systems, 07.05.2023[26]Militarnyi, Israel to help Ukraine create an air threat early warning system, 17.02.2023[27]Militarnyi, Armed Forces of Ukraine mastering Israeli early-warning radar system in Poland, 02.06.2023
A year later in May 2024 there was another report of ieMHR radars by RADA purchased by Lithuania for €13.5 million as part of a military aid package to Ukraine.[28]Israel Defense, Report: Lithuania Allocates Millions to Ukraine, Includes Israeli RADA Radars, 27.08.2024
In November 2025 it was reported that RADA is updating the radar systems in accordance with feedback from the Ukrainian Defense Forces.[29]Militarnyi, Ihor Fedirko: Israel’s RADA Updates Radars for Ukraine Based on Feedback From Front, 08.11.2025
Anti drone and Air Defense Systems:
April 2022: Skybeam, a portable electronic warfare anti-drone device developed by the Israeli company Skylock, was sold to Ukraine through the Lithuanian company NT Service.[30]Intelligence Online, Israel’s Skylock brought into Ukrainian anti-drone battlefield by Lithuania’s NT Service, 07.04.2022[31]Skylock, Skybeam
September 2022: Anti-drone technology by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) was reportedly sold to Ukraine through Poland, in order to circumvent Israel’s refusal to sell advanced arms to Ukraine.[32]The Times of Israel, Israeli defense firm selling anti-drone systems to Ukraine by way of Poland, 12.09.2022[33]AlMayadeen, ‘Israel’ selling anti-UAV systems to Ukraine through Poland, 12.09.2022
March 2023: Israel approved export licenses for Elbit and Rafael for the possible sale of anti-drone jamming systems to Ukraine.[34]Axios, Scoop: Israel approves export licenses for anti-drone systems for Ukraine, 15.03.2023
May 2023: Technology by PVP Advanced EO Systems, a fully-owned subsidiary of Rafael, was integrated into “gun truck” counter-drone systems shipped to Ukraine.[35]PVP Advanced EO Systems, U.S.-Made Counter-Drone Trucks Head for Ukraine, 22.05.2023
In January 2025 it was reported that approximately 90 Patriot air defense interceptors were transferred from Israel to Ukraine via Poland.[36]Kyiv Post, 90 Patriot Missiles Transfer From Israel to Ukraine in Biggest US Weapons Move, 29.01.2025 Three months later the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, confirmed the transfer of Patriot air defense systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. While the Israeli Foreign Ministry denied the claim,[37]Military Watch Magazine, Israel Replenishes Ukrainian Patriot Air Defence Arsenals After Heavy Combat Losses, 10.06.2020[38]The Kyev Independent, Israeli Foreign Ministry denies sending Patriot systems to Ukraine amid conflicting claims, 10.06.2025 Ukrainian President Zelensky confirmed in September 2025 Ukraine received a Patriot air-defense system from Israel and that it was already in operation.[39]The Times of Israel, Zelensky says Israeli Patriot missile defense system is operating in Ukraine, 27.09.2025
Drones:
October 2022: Over 200 small reconnaissance drones by the Latvian-Israeli company Atlas Dynamics were delivered to Ukraine.[40]Atlas UAS, About[41]The Kyiv Independent, Latvian Atlas Dynamics supplies Ukrainian military with futuristic drones, plans to start production in Ukraine, 31.10.2022[42]The Marker, The Jerusalem Connection: Israeli-Latvian Atlas company raises $8 million to develop professional drones, 19.09.2017
July 2023: Germany financed a delivery of 80 Heidrun reconnaissance drones by Dynamit Nobel Defense (DND), Rafael’s full-owned subsidiary, to Ukraine.[43]Israel Defense, Rafael Systems’ Subsidiary to Supply Ukraine With 80 Heidrun Reconnaissance Drones, 24.07.2023[44]Defence Industry Europe, Germany to provide Ukraine with RQ-35 Heidrun drones, 23.07.2023
January 2026: In an interview to the Israeli media, Xtend’s CEO said that the company is prohibited from selling Ukraine its drones because of Israel’s governmental restrictions, but it does sell Ukraine software that is being installed on other companies’ drones.[45]Ynet, The Israeli brothers who sell combat drones to the American military, 23.01.2026
Xtend also supplied drones to Ukraine through its subsidiaries in the USA and Singapore.[46]Ynet, Israeli firm XTEND, whose drones reportedly killed Sinwar, wins major US defense deal, 11.12.2025
Another possible rout for Israeli drone technology to Ukraine was through the Czech company LPP Holding which supplied drones to Ukraine. LPP Holding announced in 2023 a cooperation agreement with Elbit on drone development. In 2026 LPP Holding claimed the cooperation plans were never implemented.[47]Reuters, Czechs investigate fire after reports of anti-Israel group claiming responsibility, 20.03.2026[48]RBC-Ukraine, At the plant, which was set on fire in the Czech Republic, drones were made for Ukraine, 21.03.2026
Tanks and armored vehicles:
Slovenia transferred tanks to Ukraine equipped with Elbit’s technology, who in the 90’s upgraded the tanks for Slovenia.[49]Ynet, In first, Ukraine said to receive Israeli technology via Slovenian tanks, 26.09.2022
November 2022: The Defense Forces of Ukraine use an Israeli-made armored vehicle against the Russian invasion. The vehicle, documented in the Kherson region is Amir Multi-purpose 4×4 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, produced by Automotive Industries.[50]Militarnyi, Israeli-made Amir MRAP used by Ukrainian military seen in Kherson Region, 12.11.2022
March 2023: It was reported the military aid Ukraine got from the US included M120 mortars, developed in Israel by Soltam, Elbit‘s subsidiary.[51]Technology.org, Ukrainians pleasantly surprised – M120 mortar is easier to use than they thought, 12.03.2023
May 2023: CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, purchased and delivered to Ukraine by other European countries, might include Iron Fist APS.[52]Breaking Defense, Czechs drop $2.2B on CV90 infantry fighting vehicles; Ukraine ‘days’ from getting them, 26.05.2023
June 2025: It was reported that since the beginning of the Russian invasion, and until June 2025, OIP, a Belgian fully-owned subsidiary of Elbit, supplied the Ukrainian army with about 260 armored vehicles, including at least 50 Leopard 1 tanks.[53]The Kyiv Independent, Pro-Palestinian activists reportedly destroy military equipment intended for Ukraine, 27.06.2025[54]Defense Express, Belgium will buy a batch of Gepard anti-aircraft systems for Ukraine, 09.08.2023[55]Israel Defense, Belgian Subsidiary of Israel’s Elbit Systems Supplies Ukraine with 250 Armored Vehicles, 08.07.2025
April 2026: Belgium purchased 15 self-propelled anti-aircraft Gepard systems from OIP, Elbit’s subsidiary. The armored vehicles are planned to be refurbished at Belgian facilities and then sent to Ukraine.[56]RBC-Ukraine, Belgium to purchase batch of Gepard air defense systems for Ukraine, 22.04.2026
Anti-tank missiles by Dynamit Nobel Defence
Dynamit Nobel Defense (DND) is a German company, fully owned by the Israeli state owned-company Rafael. Since 2022, the Ukrainian government has signed numerous deals with Dynamit Nobel Defence:
March 2022: The Ukrainian government purchased 5,100 RGW 90 Matador anti-tank systems from DND for approximately €25 million. This deal was approved by the German government on March 18 and delivered shortly after.[57]Militarny, Defenders of Mariupol hit the armored personnel carrier of the Russians with a grenade launcher from Germany, 19.04.2023[58]Israel Defense, Second shipment of anti-tank missiles from Germany to Ukraine – from Israeli-owned Factory, 28.03.2022
June 2022: Dynamite Nobel Defense (DND) sold additional 2,900 RGW 90 Matador portable anti-tank weapons to Ukraine.[59]Israel Defense, Ukraine purchases thousands of RGW 90 Matador anti-tank systems from Germany, 06.07.2022[60]Ukraine Business News, Ukraine has bought 2,900 anti-tank missile systems from Germany, 27.06.2022
February 2024: Ukraine’s largest state-owned conglomerate of defense companies, the Ukrainian Defense Industry joint-stock company, has announced a new Memorandum on cooperation with Dynamit Nobel Defence to locally manufacture the German Panzerfaust 3 anti-tank missile.[61]Defense Express, Dynamit Nobel Defence Signs Contract With Ukrainian UDI: What Weapons Could Soon be Produced in Ukraine, 18.02.2024[62]Globes, Rafael unit mulls setting up Ukraine anti-tank missile plant – report, 22.02.2024