Ukraine has accumulated rich experience in intercepting drones during the Russia-Ukraine war. With Iran using drones to attack Gulf countries, preventing drone attacks has become a top priority for countries in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Zelensky recently visited these threatened countries to discuss the possibility of exporting Ukrainian drone systems.
On Monday, Zelensky announced that his tour of the Middle East countries was successful and that several security cooperation agreements had been finalized or were under discussion, potentially furthering strategic partnerships with them.
Amid Iran’s indiscriminate retaliation using suicide drones against Gulf countries, Zelensky embarked on his Middle East tour to offer Ukraine’s drone interception technology to assist countries in countering threats.
Since the aggression by Russia in February 2022, Ukraine has been facing continual drone and missile attacks, with most of these drones provided by China and Iran, resulting in Ukraine accumulating significant combat experience and countermeasure technology.
Upon returning to Kyiv, Zelensky released a video on Monday night, announcing that Ukraine had reached a “historic” defense and security agreement with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. He mentioned ongoing cooperation with Jordan and Kuwait, and Bahrain and Oman have also expressed great interest.
Zelensky visited the UAE on Saturday, meeting with President Mohammed, and the two agreed to cooperate in the field of defense and security. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s advanced defense systems that could significantly intercept enemy drones and missiles, providing valuable experience and expertise to their partners.
In Doha, he met with Qatari Emir Tamim, where the Qatar Ministry of Defense confirmed signing a 10-year agreement with Kyiv covering cooperation in missile and drone systems, as well as exchanging expertise in air defense technology.
Zelensky disclosed that over 200 Ukrainian military and security experts have been dispatched to the Middle East to train local countries in intercepting drone attacks to protect the region’s energy facilities under constant threat.
He stressed, “This is not just about Ukraine’s reputation and the dignity of our people, but a very concrete and practical issue. We are exporting our defense systems, warrior skills, and national expertise.”
Ukraine is seeking reciprocal security cooperation covering air defense systems, defense production development, and energy collaboration. Various Ukrainian private companies, including UForce, Wild Hornets, and SkyFall, are preparing to meet the needs of Gulf countries, but all contracts require government approval before finalization.
For instance, the Magura maritime drone produced by UForce can now be equipped with interceptors to counter threats in maritime areas, demonstrating its combat value in protecting Ukrainian ports.
However, Zelensky sternly warned private companies that weapon sales must be approved at the government level, avoiding direct transactions with clients.
Industry experts estimate that Ukraine’s arms exports could reach $20 billion this year, potentially reaching $100 billion annually within five years with expanded production and training capacities. Ukraine can currently produce up to 2,000 intercepting drones daily, far exceeding domestic demand, creating ample space for future international sales.
In exchange, Ukraine hopes to leverage the resources of these countries to aid in its post-war reconstruction, meet energy needs, and deter Russia through sanctions.
Zelensky also revealed that discussions were held during the Middle East tour regarding diesel supply in the region, crucial for Ukraine’s defense and agricultural sectors. However, he did not disclose further details.
In his address, Zelensky expressed feeling great respect from the Middle Eastern countries towards Ukraine and believed they shared a common vision. He emphasized that “security and restoring stability are the paramount tasks for everyone at present.”