Frank Rondel
The United States and Gulf Arab states are actively negotiating with Ukraine to acquire Ukrainian-made interceptor drones, a source in Ukraine’s Presidential Office confirmed to customreceipt.com. Ukraine’s drones have proven highly effective at neutralizing Iran’s one-way Shahed attack drones, which Tehran deployed extensively in the first six days of the war in the Middle East, targeting U.S. assets.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that the United States requested assistance specifically to counter Shahed drones in the region. “I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security. Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people,” Zelenskyy noted. The six U.S. service personnel killed in Kuwait during the opening hours of the conflict died in an Iranian drone strike.
Discussions with Gulf governments are ongoing, either directly or through U.S. channels, regarding the potential purchase of Ukraine’s interceptor drones, the Ukrainian official added. These drones, which operate at higher speeds than the Iranian Shaheds and employ cameras and AI for detection, are controlled by FPV (first-person view) pilots who intercept the Shaheds before they can reach their targets. The drones are comparatively low-cost, with each interceptor costing a few thousand dollars versus millions for a U.S.-made Patriot missile, while a single Shahed is estimated at approximately $30,000.
Zelenskyy highlighted that some Middle Eastern partners have already signaled interest in Ukraine’s expertise following recent civilian-targeted Shahed strikes. “Requests have come to us to share our experience with partners in the Middle East,” he said, adding that similar requests had come from European nations and the United States. Talks are ongoing regarding the terms of potential supplies, including quantities and infrastructure requirements, as integration with local radar systems will be necessary.
The Ukrainian Presidential Office declined to comment on whether Ukrainian teams have already been deployed to the Middle East to assist with these operations. Over the past year, Ukraine has accelerated the development and operational deployment of interceptor drones, which have also been used domestically to counter Russian drone attacks against cities and critical energy infrastructure.
During a previous visit to the White House last October, Zelenskyy discussed drone capabilities with President Donald Trump, who recognized the quality of Ukraine’s drones and suggested they could be supplied to the United States. At that time, Ukraine was also lobbying for U.S. Tomahawk missile supplies.
Earlier we wrote that Senate Votes on Iran War Powers Resolution: Democrats Push Oversight Amid Trump Tensions