US EditionUS, Gulf States Seek Ukraine’s Cheap Interceptor Drones to Stop Iranian Shaheds
Ukraine offers low-cost interceptor drones as the Pentagon and Gulf states seek affordable defenses against costly Iranian Shahed drones, with interceptor missiles costing over $13.5 million each.
- Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed counter-drone cooperation with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan as the Pentagon and a Gulf government explore Ukrainian interceptor drone purchases.
- Gulf states have relied on Patriot air-defence systems recently, but interceptor missiles cost more than $13.5 million while Shahed drones cost roughly $30,000, driving interest in cheaper options.
- Industry sources say Ukrainian industry has mass-manufactured interceptors costing only a few thousand dollars that can destroy Shahed drones, with Zelensky stating 'Ukraine's expertise in countering 'Shahed' drones is currently the most advanced in the world'.
- Any export or cooperation must proceed without diminishing Ukraine's own defence capabilities, and exports would require coordination with Kyiv, Zelensky said.
- A Ukrainian official described the talks as 'sensitive' while regional partners seek cheaper defenses against Iranian drones, as international interest grows.
30 Articles
30 Articles
US, Gulf states seek Ukraine’s cheap interceptor drones to stop Iranian Shaheds
The United States and several Gulf nations are in talks with Ukraine about buying interceptor drones designed to destroy Iranian-made Shahed attack drones, according to a new report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Kyiv has already received requests for equipment and technical support. As Straight Arrow News has reported, Ukraine built the systems during its war with Russia, where Iranian-style drones have repeatedly targeted cities…
Ukrainian troops say their hard-won lessons on Iranian Shaheds apply far beyond their war at home
Ukraine has developed new ways to take down Shahed-style drones. Now the US is facing Shaheds in the Middle East.Ivan SAMOILOV / AFP via Getty ImagesThe US and its allies are fighting Iranian Shahed drones, the same kind Ukraine has fought for years.Ukraine has developed new, low-cost ways to stop Shaheds.Ukrainian soldiers say the US and others can learn from their experiences.The drones Iran is launching at US forces are the same ones Ukraine …
El Periódico
The U.S. and Israel attack on Iran could give an unexpected negotiating bazaar to the Kiev government, at a time of blockade in negotiations for a ceasefire in the Ukrainian war, which has lasted for more than four years. According to the 'Financial Times' press, the Pentagon and at least one Persian Gulf country are engaged in discussions with Ukrainian representatives to acquire low-cost interceptor drones to curb attacks carried out on their …
Ukraine to provide US with 'necessary resources' to counter Iranian drones, Zelensky says
Zelensky's statement comes after the Financial Times reported on March 5, citing Ukrainain industry figures, that the Pentagon and at least one Gulf state are holding talks to purchase Ukrainian-made interceptors to counter Iranian drones.
Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Will Help US to Counter Iranian Drones
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (not pictured) and European Council President Antonio Costa (not pictured) on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb. 24, 2026. Photo: REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukraine would provide assistance to the US in response to its r…
The Shahed Iranian drones, which in Russian hands have put the Ukrainian Armed Forces in trouble during four years of war, are also difficult to stop for U.S. forces in the war unleashed just a week ago against Iran. To confront them, the Pentagon is considering buying Ukrainian interceptor drones, which would be cheaper than using the expensive American-made Patriot systems.Keep reading...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
