Israel received Iranian, Russian weapons in secret transfer from Ukraine, fmr. ambassador says

Security collaboration between Israel and Ukraine is expanding, particularly in the study of Iranian weapons and Russian drones, according to former Israeli ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky.

Brodsky discussed the growing security ties earlier this week during a meeting with a delegation of Ukrainian journalists. He confirmed that the two countries are working together to study weapons used in Russia's war against Ukraine and that Israel has received several weapons from Kyiv for examination. He did not specify which weapons or systems were involved.

According to Ukrainian media reports, Israel is examining samples of Russian attack drones provided by Ukraine, including newer models from the Geran family, which are based on Iranian-made Shahed drones.

Ukrainian officials also confirmed to Maariv that the cooperation is underway, saying one of its earliest stages involved Ukraine transferring an Iranian Shahed drone to Israel. Russia has used these drones extensively in its war against Ukraine.

Brodsky said Israel is actively developing defenses against drones, including laser-based systems and other technologies. However, he assessed that no effective solution capable of countering all types of drones has yet been developed.

"Unmanned aerial vehicles are the number one problem for the entire world today," he told Ukrainian media outlets. "Whoever is first to find an effective solution will gain a significant advantage, and that solution will subsequently be adopted by others as well."

Throughout the war, Russia has repeatedly modified its weapons, changed its tactics for penetrating air defenses, and adjusted the scale of its attacks. Ukraine has responded by developing and improving its drone detection and interception capabilities.

For Israel, Ukraine's battlefield experience is particularly relevant because Iran and its allies use weapons based on similar technology. According to Ukrainian reports, the samples provided to Israel could help researchers better understand the modifications Russia has made to its drones and develop ways to counter them.

Ukraine, meanwhile, could also benefit from Israeli expertise. Israel has extensive operational, intelligence, and technological experience in confronting Iran, including its missile and drone capabilities and other military threats in the region.

Sharing intelligence, threat assessments, and lessons learned from military operations could benefit both countries and further strengthen their security cooperation.