Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv will send drone experts to the Middle East to help the U.S. and its partners defend against Iran’s Shahed drones, given Ukraine’s experience with countering a modified version used by Russia.
“We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against ‘shaheds’ in the Middle East region. I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security,” Zelenskyy said on X. “Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people.”
In an earlier post on Wednesday, Zelenskyy noted that the “Iranian attack drones are the same ‘shaheds’ that have been striking our cities, villages, and our Ukrainian infrastructure throughout this war.”
During the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iran supplied Russia with its low-cost Shahed drones, which Russia quickly modified and began producing independently. Russia now produces nearly 5,000 Shahed-type drones per month, according to Ukrainian Major General Viktor Yahun, forcing Ukraine to develop innovative techniques to bring them down.
The key to Ukraine’s air defense is its cost-effective “anti-Shahed interceptor drones,” said Roman Korzh, founder of Ukraine’s Global Drone Academy.
“We were forced to find such a solution. It is effective, it is low budget, and it allows us to create layered air defense systems,” Korzh said, noting that it is unfeasible to use expensive missile interceptors to counter the low-cost drones.
Gulf allies are now learning this lesson themselves. Regional officials told CBS News on Thursday that their missile interceptor stocks are running low just days into the war.
Zelenskyy confirmed at a press briefing Wednesday that Gulf states have already used over 800 Patriot air defense missiles — more than Ukraine has received during four years of war — to defend against Iranian air strikes.
“Everyone can now see that Ukraine’s experience in defense is, in many respects, irreplaceable,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on X. “We are ready to share this experience and help those nations that helped Ukraine this winter and throughout this war.”