Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that 11 countries have reached out to Kyiv for guidance on countering Iranian drones, which Tehran is deploying across the Middle East in response to US-Israeli strikes.
Ukraine has developed world-class drone defence capabilities, honed through nightly attacks from Russia, an ally of Iran, using drones similar to those launched by Tehran.
“As of now, there are 11 requests from countries neighbouring Iran, European states, and the US. There is clear interest in Ukraine’s experience in protecting lives, relevant interceptors, electronic warfare systems, and training,” Zelensky stated, without naming the specific countries.
Some Ukrainian drone experts are already en route to the Middle East and are expected to arrive this week to provide technical support.
Zelensky proposed swapping Kyiv’s drone interceptors, which can neutralise incoming attack drones mid-air, for high-cost air defence missiles that Ukraine currently lacks.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, the military intercepts or shoots down more than 80% of incoming Russian drones, with hundreds fired each night. The country relies on a combination of drone interceptors, electronic jamming systems, anti-aircraft guns, fighter jets, and helicopters to protect its airspace.
Ukraine’s expertise in drone defence is now being positioned as a critical resource for nations facing similar threats from Iran-style drones.
