Will Ukraine help Gulf states down Iranian drones?
Ukraine Aids Gulf Nations in Combating Iranian Drone Threats
Ukraine has pledged to assist Middle Eastern countries in countering Iranian drone attacks, leveraging its combat experience with these aerial threats. However, the nation’s ability to deploy experts is constrained by its ongoing war, which keeps its personnel tied to home fronts. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted Kyiv’s proficiency in drone defense, stating that the country is prepared to share its knowledge with Gulf states.
On his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy outlined a condition for Ukraine’s support: “Middle East leaders, who maintain strong ties with Russians, could request a one-month ceasefire from Russia.” He emphasized that once such an agreement is reached, Ukraine would send its most skilled operators to the region. “We can extend the same assistance to Israel,” he noted.
“We can help Israel in the same way,” said Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this sentiment in a Reuters interview. He claimed that Ukrainian forces could neutralize 90% of Iranian Shahed drones, primarily using domestically developed intercept systems. “We can’t send all our forces, but we’ll provide some if Russia’s attacks on Ukraine are guaranteed to cease,” Sybiha added.
Oleksandr Chara, an analyst at the Center for Defense Strategies (CDS), explained that Gulf nations initially underestimated the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Their perspective shifted when Iranian drones, incorporating Russian technology, began targeting areas in the region. “Kyiv can offer both operational expertise and trained personnel,” Chara said.
Chara outlined three possible collaborations between Ukraine and Gulf states. One involves sending experienced forces with intercept drones to protect critical sites immediately. Another is training local pilots in Ukraine, fostering stronger military partnerships. The third scenario entails Gulf investments in Ukraine’s defense industry to scale production of intercept systems.
Zelenskyy also mentioned plans to transfer some aspects of interceptor drone manufacturing to Gulf states. In return, Kyiv seeks American PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot system, vital for enhancing its air defense capabilities. On March 5, the Financial Times reported that the Pentagon and at least one Gulf government were discussing the purchase of Ukrainian-made intercept drones, as revealed by an unnamed industry representative.
Ukrainian military expert Oleh Katkov pointed out that while Gulf states have ample financial resources, they lack data and battle-tested algorithms for effective drone defense. “Our experience provides invaluable insights,” Katkov told DW. “No other country has detailed information on deployed mobile units, ammunition requirements, or equipment performance.” He described the potential collaboration as a “classic win-win situation,” where Gulf nations benefit from Ukraine’s know-how.
