During President Volodymyr Zelensky's official visit to Saudi Arabia, an agreement on air defense was officially signed between the two nations in light of recent Iranian drone attacks on the kingdom.
Kyiv aims to utilize its knowledge and experience in countering Russian drones to assist Gulf countries facing similar challenges from Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which have been utilized by Russia in attacks on Ukraine.
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The essence of the agreement lies in Ukraine's commitment to providing assistance in the advancement of all essential elements of air defense that are currently deficient within the recipient's capabilities.
For the past four years, the city of Kyiv has been employing a combination of cost-effective drone interceptors, electronic interference devices, and anti-aircraft weaponry to successfully neutralize Russian drones targeting its urban areas on a nightly basis.
Ukraine has suggested exchanging its interceptors with much costlier air defense missiles employed by Gulf countries to shoot down Iranian drones.
The reason behind Ukraine's proposal is a stated need for additional air defense missiles to deter missile attacks from Russia.
The proposed swap would involve transferring interceptors for the more advanced air defense missiles utilized by Gulf nations in combating Iranian drone threats.
Ukraine is seeking to bolster its defense capabilities by acquiring more sophisticated air defense missiles currently in use by Gulf nations to counter Iranian drone incursions.
The proposed trade-off entails Ukraine relinquishing interceptors in exchange for the technologically advanced air defense missiles employed by Gulf countries against Iranian drones.
The agreement reached between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia extends beyond just interceptors. It encompasses the development of a comprehensive system that includes integration with other air defense components, leveraging Ukrainian expertise in utilization, advanced artificial intelligence technology, and various data analysis elements essential for countering threats from Shaheds and other drones.
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Zelensky took to social media to announce that significant progress had been made in defense cooperation between the two countries, following his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit.
"We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia," Zelensky said, adding, "Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial."
Zelensky also engaged in discussions with Ukrainian specialists in counter-drone technology, who were dispatched to the region following the military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran, leading to a series of drone and missile reprisals from Tehran.
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“Even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts were able to share extensive expertise”, Zelensky said.
“Ukraine's expertise is unique, and recognised as such, and that is why everyone is so interested in our technologies and experience”.