Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that more than 200 Ukrainian specialists have been deployed to the Middle East to assist Gulf countries in defending against Iranian drones. The initiative aims to help nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait strengthen their defenses against the same type of Iranian 'Shahed' drones that were previously sold to Russia in 2022. Ukraine claims to have achieved about 90 percent success in intercepting these drones, according to Al Jazeera.

Analysts cited in the report noted that Iranian drones have become a growing threat to U.S.-aligned Gulf states, which have traditionally focused on high-altitude missile defense systems while neglecting low-altitude threats. The report also highlighted the stark cost difference between defense systems: a U.S. ballistic missile interceptor can cost around 10 million dollars per use, whereas a Ukrainian counter-drone costs roughly 3,000 dollars and can destroy a 50,000-dollar Shahed drone.

The cooperation underscores Kyiv’s effort to share its wartime experience and expand defense partnerships in the region.