The U.S and some Gulf countries have announced a plan to purchase Ukrainian interceptor drones to defend against Iranian Shahed drones.
This is after the Iranian strikes on the core of the United States’ military infrastructure in the Gulf, targeting sites regarded as the backbone of American military deployment in the region.
The attacks hit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and facilities linked to its headquarters in Bahrain.
Meanwhile, Ukraine developed the interceptor drones during its war with Russia, where it faced frequent drone attacks and needed a cheaper method to neutralize incoming aerial threats.
US and Gulf Nations to Purchase Ukrainian Drones
According to reports, the US and Gulf nations are considering Ukrainian drones due to their significant cost advantage over traditional air defence systems.
Iranian Shahed drones are estimated to cost around $30,000, while a single interceptor missile from the Patriot missile system can cost approximately $13.5 million.
“Ukraine developed cheap, mass-produced interceptor drones costing a few thousand dollars, far cheaper than Patriot missiles (~$13.5m each) currently used to shoot down Shaheds (~$30k each),” read part of the report.
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Additionally, the interceptor drones developed by Ukraine have gained global attention due to their effectiveness in countering drone attacks during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
These drones are designed to intercept and destroy incoming unmanned aerial vehicles before they reach their targets, making them a practical defence option for countries facing increasing drone threats during the ongoing war.
Zelenskyy Offers to Help Middle East Countries with Intercepting Shahed Drones
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously hinted at plans to offer Ukraine’s low-cost, battle-tested drone interceptors and operator expertise to Gulf states facing Shahed-style drone threats.
Speaking in a phone conversation with the United Arab Emirates President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on the situation in the Middle East, Zelenskyy expressed condolences for those killed in Iran’s recent strikes and discussed ways to support the protection of lives.
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In a message posted on X, Zelenskyy said their conversation focused on key regional developments and shared priorities, emphasizing that teams from both countries will work together on measures to safeguard people affected by the ongoing attacks.
“We discussed how we can help in this situation and support the protection of lives. It was agreed that our teams will work on this. Protecting lives is a shared priority for everyone in the world,” stated Zelenskyy.
Earlier, speaking to Bloomberg, he reported on a phone call that he had offered to send his best experts in shooting down Iranian drones in the Middle East if Gulf region leaders convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a long-term truce in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy added that Kyiv will deliberate on the option of sending its best men to intercept the drones in the Middle East.
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