FT: USA and Gulf States in Talks to Buy Ukrainian Interceptor Drones

The Pentagon and at least one Persian Gulf country are in talks about the possible purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones to defend against Iranian Shahed drones.

The Financial Times reported on this, citing a representative of Ukraine’s defense industry.

Following the start of the U.S. and Israel’s operation against Iran, neighboring countries have faced attacks by such UAVs.

To intercept them, Persian Gulf countries are forced to use the expensive Patriot air defense system’s missiles.

However, their stockpiles are shrinking, and they are turning to Kyiv’s experience for a cheaper way to defend against Iranian drones.

The media notes that Ukraine was the first to begin using mass-produced interceptor drones costing several thousand dollars to destroy Russian versions of the Shahed drone.

The United States Department of Defense has shown a strong interest in Ukraine’s experience, given Iran’s large stockpiles of drones.

Amid this, one Ukrainian official described the negotiations with the United States Department of Defense as “a sensitive issue.” A representative of the defense industry also stated that any sale of Ukrainian interceptor drones, even those produced abroad, must be coordinated with Kyiv.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated the previous evening that talks had been held with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain regarding the use of Ukraine’s experience in countering Shahed drone-type drones.

Ukrainian forces currently have unique practical experience in countering Iranian kamikaze drones during a full-scale war.

Therefore, it has recently been announced that the United Kingdom plans to deploy British and Ukrainian specialists to support partners in the Middle East.

These specialists are expected to work together to repel attacks by Iranian drones that threaten the region’s security and civilian population.