MANILA, Philippines — Ukraine may play a key role in helping Gulf states defend against Iranian drone attacks, as countries in the Middle East explore cooperation with Kyiv to counter the growing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ukraine has gained extensive experience in defending against Iranian-designed drones, particularly the Shahed series, which Russia has used repeatedly during its war against Ukraine. Years of facing such attacks have allowed Ukrainian forces to develop advanced tactics and technologies for detecting and intercepting these drones.
Because of this battlefield experience, several countries in the Gulf region and the United States have reportedly expressed interest in Ukraine’s expertise in countering drone threats. Ukrainian officials have indicated that they are willing to share knowledge and defensive technologies to help protect civilian infrastructure and strategic facilities from aerial attacks. (ABC News)
However, experts note that Ukraine’s ability to provide direct military assistance may be limited. Ukrainian specialists and military personnel cannot easily leave the country due to ongoing wartime restrictions, and Kyiv must also prioritize its own defense needs amid continuing attacks from Russian forces.
Instead, cooperation could focus on technology transfers, training programs, and the export of interceptor drones designed to neutralize incoming unmanned aircraft. These interceptor drones are significantly cheaper than traditional missile defense systems and have proven effective in combat situations. (ABC News)
Ukraine has accelerated the development of these anti-drone systems during the conflict with Russia, creating low-cost solutions that can shoot down incoming drones before they reach their targets.
The growing interest from Gulf states highlights how Ukraine’s wartime innovations are influencing global defense strategies. As the threat from drone warfare increases in different regions, Ukraine’s experience in countering such attacks is becoming valuable for countries seeking more affordable and effective air defense options.