Ukraine Uses Israeli Radar and Hellfire Missiles to Intercept Russian Drones

Ukraine has recently deployed a new mobile air defense system called STASH to counter Russian drone attacks based on Iranian technology. This system, operational for about two months, integrates Israeli-made radar technology from RADA, which was sold to Leonardo DRS in the US four years ago. The radar detects targets up to 25 kilometers away and feeds targeting data to Hellfire missiles, which serve as interceptors. These missiles, originally designed as anti-tank weapons and also used by the Israeli Air Force, can engage targets at distances of 10 to 11 kilometers. Unlike expensive Patriot interceptors costing around $4 million each, Hellfire missiles are more affordable at approximately $150,000 per unit and have sufficient speed (up to Mach 1.3) to intercept relatively slow and non-maneuvering drones.

The STASH system is mounted on various vehicles, including DAF trucks and large American pickup trucks, and uses American battle management software. Despite Israel's refusal to supply weapons or air defense systems to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, including a reported veto by Prime Minister Netanyahu on transferring Iron Dome batteries purchased by the US, Israeli radar systems have been acquired through donations to improve early warning capabilities. The STASH system has been successfully deployed around critical infrastructure and major cities in Ukraine, achieving high interception rates against swarms of suicide drones and low-flying cruise missiles.

This development highlights Ukraine's innovative adaptation of available technologies, combining Israeli radar and American missiles to enhance its air defense against ongoing Russian attacks.