Israel approves export licenses for drone jamming systems for Ukraine

Israel has approved export licenses for the possible sale of drone jamming systems that could help Ukraine counter Iranian drones.

Axios reports, citing Israeli and Ukrainian officials, that "it's the first time since russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago that Israel has approved defense export licenses for possible weapons sales to Ukraine."

Earlier, the Israeli government tried not to provide military aid to Ukraine, fearing that such a move could create tension in relations with russia.

Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen approved the export licenses in mid-February, Axios said. Then, Israel was reviewing its war policy at the behest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli officials say the review has ended, but no new decisions have been made.

The licenses were approved for two Israeli companies — Elbit and Rafael — developing anti-drone systems.

A Ukrainian official told the media that a delegation of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine recently visited Israel to present anti-drone systems. However, no agreement has been signed yet.

The systems that Israel offered to Ukraine use electronic warfare to jam and shoot down drones. The systems have a range of about 40 km.

A senior Israeli official said one of the reasons Israel approved the licenses was to see how the defense systems performed against Iranian drones.

At the same time, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine is interested in these systems, but according to a Ukrainian official, it needs more protection from ballistic missiles.

Arms supplies to Ukraine from Israel

Previously, Israel tried not to provide military aid to Ukraine, fearing that such a move could create tension in relations with russia and harm Israeli security interests in Syria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, made a statement on October 18, according to which Kyiv intends to officially request Israel to provide air defense systems. According to Kuleba, Ukraine will turn to the Israeli state amid Iran's support for russia in the war against Kyiv.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on October 19 that Jerusalem would continue to supply Ukraine with humanitarian and medical aid. However, the Israelis are not ready to provide Kyiv with weapons systems.

Later, Gantz clarified that Israel's policy regarding arms supplies to Ukraine would not change. According to him, Jerusalem is ready to help Kyiv develop early warning systems for missile strikes.

In January, Ukraine's ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniichuk, said that Ukraine would receive a package of modern technological solutions and air threat warning systems (primarily on enemy missiles and drones) from Israel.