Israel has officially retired its last Patriot air defense system as of November 4, 2025, concluding decades of service for the U.S.-made technology. This move reflects Israel’s strategic pivot towards enhancing its air defense capabilities with indigenous systems, such as Iron Dome and Arrow, which have proven effective against regional threats. The decision to phase out the Patriot system, noted for its declining operational success in recent years, aligns with Israel’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology amidst geopolitical considerations, including the potential transfer of retired systems to allies like Ukraine. This development underscores Israel’s focus on a robust multi-layered air defense network to address evolving threats from state and non-state actors in the region.