Iran is mass-launching Shahed drones over the Persian Gulf, forcing countries in the region to spend expensive air defense missiles to destroy them. Media outlets are reporting that Ukraine is offering a cheaper alternative — home-made interceptor drones that could change the balance of defense.
An arms exchange deal could be profitable for Trump, as it would help reduce risks for Middle Eastern countries. Channel 24 reports, The Telegraph reports. PromPolitInform portal reports.
Why could the exchange of Ukrainian interceptor drones for air defense missiles be profitable for Trump?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has suggested that allies use Ukrainian Sting interceptor drones, which cost about $1,000. In return, Kyiv is asking its partners for Patriot missiles as part of a “technology or weapons exchange.”
According to Zelensky, massive attacks by the Shaheds are ineffective to intercept with Patriot missiles due to their high cost. At the same time, Ukraine already has the technology to intercept drones, but is experiencing a shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles.
As analysts from the Stimson Center note, on February 28 alone, Iran launched more than 500 drones at the United Arab Emirates. According to experts, for every dollar spent by Iran on drones, countries in the region spend 20-28 times more on shooting them down.
Ukrainian experience in combating drones has already proven its effectiveness. According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, in February, more than 70% of Russian drones launched at Kyiv were shot down by interceptor drones. Ukraine expects to use these technologies and experience in training operators to cooperate with partners in exchange for air defense systems and missiles.
David Jordan, a senior lecturer in defense at King’s College London, believes that Ukraine’s experience in this area could become a catalyst for changing the balance of diplomatic power, and the use of Ukrainian technologies could be beneficial for Ukraine and Trump.
How can Ukraine help the countries of the Middle East in the war with Iran?
The other day it was reported that the United States and one Persian Gulf country are negotiating the purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones to protect against Iranian drones. Countries that are constantly attacked by Iran are looking for cheaper air defense systems, since missiles for the Patriot complex are much more expensive than the Shahed drones.
Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the 429th separate brigade of unmanned systems “Achilles”, told Channel 24 that Ukraine is ready to fight for its interests anywhere in the world, but due to a lack of human resources, it can only partially participate in the events in the Middle East. Ukraine plans to transfer its anti-drone technology to European partners and develop military cooperation for joint weapons production.
According to Reuters, Ukraine, at the request of the United States, will provide support in protecting against Iranian drones in the Middle East, sending specialists to ensure security. Ukrainian specialists are expected to begin work within a few days.
