Israel removes outdated patriots from inventory

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) plans to remove its outdated Patriot missile defense systems in the coming months, replacing them with more advanced air defense systems, according to a military announcement Tuesday.

In February, the IAF announced its intention to retire several Patriot batteries and retrain its personnel to operate the Iron Dome system.

According to the Israeli military's official website, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) will permanently deactivate the Patriot array, known as Yahalom, within two months.

“We are currently in the process of reducing the batteries until the entire system is closed,” said the head of the Aerial Defense Array’s 138th Battalion

The U.S.-operated Patriot missile batteries accurately intercepted Scud missiles launched from Iraq toward Israel during the 1991 Gulf War.

Source: Newsroom