Ukrainian specialists have been operating in the Middle East combating Iranian-origin Shahed attack drones, using interceptor equipment developed domestically.
According to information released by BBC News Ukraine, these operations have already resulted in the destruction of several targets in at least one country in the region.
International interest in this technology has grown rapidly. Ukrainian manufacturers report having received numerous commercial proposals from countries in the Gulf and other areas of the Middle East, with negotiations involving the possible export of tens of thousands of drones. Buyers are reportedly even willing to pay prices above those seen in the domestic market.
Despite strong demand, the export process faces obstacles within the Ukrainian government itself. Requests made by major manufacturers are still awaiting review and approval by the relevant authorities, while a directive from the Security Service of Ukraine has temporarily banned the sale of weapons to the region under the risk of legal sanctions. Industry representatives believe there is a deliberate blockage of exports.
At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the deployment of hundreds of specialists to countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, and highlighted ongoing negotiations for defense agreements. Among the possibilities being discussed are strategic exchanges involving interceptor drones for used Mirage 2000 fighter jets or missiles intended for Patriot air defense systems.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @front_ukrainian | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
❗️🇺🇦Ukrainian specialists deployed in Middle Eastern countries have already shot down several 🇮🇷Iranian strike drones of the Shahed type using interceptor drones in one of the countries of the region. pic.twitter.com/6eQlq90AXf
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) March 21, 2026
