UKRAINE, SAUDI ARABIA SIGN AIR DEFENCE AGREEMENT AMID IRANIAN DRONE THREATS
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Agency Report
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an air defence cooperation agreement during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the kingdom, which is currently facing attacks from Iranian-designed drones, two senior officials told AFP on Friday.
The deal, reportedly signed on Thursday, aims to leverage Ukraine’s extensive experience in intercepting Russian drones to help Gulf nations counter similar threats posed by Iranian Shahed drones. “The point of the agreement is that Ukraine will support them in developing all the necessary components of air defence, which they currently lack,” one official said.
Over the past four years, Kyiv has defended its cities against nightly Russian drone attacks using a combination of inexpensive drone interceptors, electronic jamming systems, and anti-aircraft guns, techniques it now offers to share with Saudi Arabia.
Officials emphasized that the cooperation extends beyond drones themselves. It includes building integrated air defence systems, incorporating AI, data analysis, and operational expertise. Ukraine has also proposed exchanging its interceptors for more advanced air-defence missiles used by Gulf countries, which Kyiv needs to counter ongoing Russian missile attacks.
Zelensky confirmed on social media that an “important arrangement” on defence cooperation had been reached and said he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit. “We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia,” Zelensky stated, noting that the partnership would be mutually beneficial.
During the visit, Zelensky also met with Ukrainian anti-drone experts deployed to Saudi Arabia after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory drone and missile attacks. “Even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts were able to share extensive expertise,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s anti-drone technologies and operational knowledge are “unique and recognised as such.”
The agreement marks a significant step in Ukraine’s efforts to export its air defence capabilities while strengthening security ties with Middle Eastern nations amid rising regional threats.
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