Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Agree on Drone Defense Cooperation
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia to share its expertise and technology in drone defense systems.
Zelensky highlighted that Saudi Arabia is confronting similar ballistic missile and drone threats from Iran, comparable to the attacks Ukraine has been enduring from Russia for over four years.
"We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,"
he stated in a post on X.
Prior to a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky indicated that the defense agreement establishes a foundation for future contracts, technological collaboration, and investment opportunities.
"Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,"
the Ukrainian president added.
During discussions with Mohammed bin Salman, Zelensky also addressed reports of Russia providing assistance to Iran's regime, as well as matters related to fuel markets and energy cooperation.
Experience and Technology Integration in Defense
On Thursday, Zelensky delivered a video message to the Joint Expeditionary Force, a security alliance convening a summit in Helsinki. He emphasized the importance of not only producing new weapons, especially drones, but also possessing practical experience in their deployment and integrating these systems with radars, aviation, and other air defense mechanisms.
"The key is not only producing new weapons - especially drones - not just technology, but also real experience in using it, and integrating it with radars, aviation, and other air defence systems. We have this experience,"
he said.
Zelensky expressed that in return, Ukraine seeks assistance in defending itself against the ongoing Russian invasion.
"We would like Middle Eastern states to also give us an opportunity to strengthen ourselves. They have certain air defence missiles of which we don't have enough. That's what we'd like to reach a deal on,"
he told the French newspaper Le Monde in an interview.
Ukrainian Drone Companies and Gulf State Interest
The BBC has spoken with several Ukrainian drone manufacturers who confirmed they have been approached by Gulf states seeking assistance, though they have not yet received government approval in Kyiv to proceed.
Kvertus, a Ukrainian company specializing in anti-drone electronic warfare systems, reported interest from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
"We are waiting for approval to export any products. We understand that we need to coordinate with our government because it's not only about business, about selling drones, it's about politics,"
said Yaroslav Filimonov, Kvertus's chief executive officer.
Volodymyr Zinovsky, CEO of Ukrainian manufacturer TAF Industries, expressed willingness to wait for government authorization, emphasizing the importance of national security.
"All of us are working to protect Ukraine, to stay with Ukraine and to keep Ukraine alive. This is about survival. And if we need to wait a few months, we will,"
he told the BBC.
Zinovsky noted that representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait had approached his company, but he directed them to coordinate with the Ukrainian government.
US Considerations and Regional Arms Dynamics
Media reports indicate that the United States is contemplating redirecting arms originally intended for Ukraine to the Gulf region due to the escalating conflict with Iran, underscoring the strategic importance of the drone cooperation deal.
The Washington Post cited sources stating that the Pentagon is considering reallocating weapons meant for Ukraine to the Middle East as the war in Iran strains some of the US military's critical munitions.
When asked about these reports on Thursday, former President Donald Trump remarked on the common practice of redirecting weapons.
"We do that all the time. Sometimes we take from one, and we use for another,"
he said.
