The Ukrainian president has recently made a whirlwind tour of the Gulf – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar – showcasing his country’s cutting-edge anti-aircraft defense capabilities.
Ukraine has developed a range of tools to counter nighttime attacks by Russian drones, primarily interceptor drones that are cheap and effective.
Russian attack drones are based on Iranian Shahed drone technology, which Tehran now uses in the region – strikes presented as retaliation for American and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Kiev highlights its unique expertise
Volodymyr Zelensky saw an opportunity to capitalize on the war, which offers Moscow increased revenue from rising hydrocarbon prices and potentially reduced arms deliveries to Kiev. Immediately, he began offering Ukrainian interceptor drones to American allies in the region and sent two hundred military experts there.
“We are certainly the only ones who can offer such help today in terms of expertise,” he told journalists on Saturday, stressing that “no one else has such experience” in the matter.
For months, Ukraine has shot down more than 80% of Russian missiles and drones targeting it – fired by the hundreds each night, according to an analysis by AFP of Ukrainian data.
What’s in it for Ukraine?
Few details have emerged about what Ukraine has actually agreed upon with Gulf countries. “We’re talking about a ten-year cooperation. We’ve already signed an agreement to that effect with Saudi Arabia, we’ve just signed a similar agreement with Qatar for ten years, and we will sign one with the Emirates as well,” said Volodymyr Zelensky.
There are discussions on jointly producing drones – with workshops in Ukraine and the Gulf – and sharing expertise, according to the Ukrainian president, without giving specifics.
It was not mentioned what Kiev obtained in return, or if it’s simply revenue. The Ukrainian president, who initially talked about supplying very expensive anti-aircraft missiles to Kiev, emphasized that these contracts would bring “billions” to Ukraine.
Ukrainian drone manufacturers have reported being flooded with requests from the Middle East since the start of the war in the region. “Neither the United States, nor Europe, nor the Middle East are prepared for the drone war,” said the commander of a Ukrainian drone unit recently.
Energy resources
Volodymyr Zelensky also acknowledged the region’s energy resources, after four years of targeted Russian attacks destroyed Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “We need long-term agreements with energy-producing countries — that’s exactly what we are negotiating,” he added.
According to manufacturers, exports would not deplete weapons to fight Russia but would provide the financial means to increase production.
