Kyiv responds to Gulf requests amid Iran conflict
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, confirmed that Kyiv sent interceptor drones and operators to defend US bases in Jordan last week. The deployment is part of Ukraine’s support to Gulf and Middle Eastern countries under attack from Iran, responding to one of 11 requests from nations including European allies and the US.
Zelensky told the New York Times that the team departed quickly after Jordan requested assistance for the Muwaffaq Salti airbase, where satellite imagery suggested Iranian attacks damaged the base’s Thaad radar system.
Sharing Ukraine’s air defence expertise
Ukraine has developed low-cost drone interception systems to counter Shahed-136 drones, originally designed in Iran and mass-produced by Russia. Kyiv’s strategy now includes high-speed interceptor drones such as the Sting missile, costing just $2,000 each, capable of destroying more than 70% of incoming attack drones.
“This allows Ukraine to provide concrete support while demonstrating it as an asset to the US and allies,” said Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham House.
Gulf countries rely on costly US systems
Middle Eastern countries primarily use US-made Patriot and Thaad systems, with missiles costing millions of dollars each. Zelensky noted that over 800 Patriot interceptors were fired in just three days last week, roughly a year’s global supply. Ukraine’s cheaper drones contrast sharply with this expensive approach.
The deployment also comes amid reduced Iranian missile and drone activity after US-Israeli strikes, lowering immediate pressure on regional air defence stocks.
Strategic outreach
Over the past week, Zelensky spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan to coordinate regional security. “It is very important to coordinate for security both in Europe and in the Middle East,” he said after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Ukraine’s rapid deployment highlights its growing role as a provider of practical air defence expertise, strengthening ties with Middle Eastern allies while continuing to defend against Shahed drone swarms at home.
Also read: Ukraine joins US and allies to tackle Iranian drone threat
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