Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have entered into a new air defence cooperation agreement during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the Middle East, as both nations face threats linked to Iranian drone technology.
According to officials familiar with the development, the agreement focuses on strengthening Saudi Arabia’s air defence capabilities by leveraging Ukraine’s experience in countering drone attacks, particularly those similar to the Iranian-designed Shahed drones used in ongoing conflicts.
The deal involves more than just supplying interception tools. It is aimed at building a comprehensive defence system that includes integration with existing infrastructure, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and operational strategies developed by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Ukraine has also proposed an exchange arrangement that could see it gain access to advanced air defence missiles used by Gulf nations, which are more sophisticated and costly than its current systems, in return for its expertise in drone interception.
President Zelensky confirmed that both countries had reached a significant understanding on defence collaboration and held discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He described the partnership as mutually beneficial, noting that both sides possess capabilities that can support each other.
During the visit, Zelensky also met Ukrainian specialists working on counter-drone systems, who have been sharing knowledge in response to increasing drone and missile threats in the region. He emphasized that Ukraine’s experience in this area has gained global recognition, making its technologies and strategies highly sought after.
The agreement highlights growing international cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges, particularly the increasing use of drones in modern conflicts.
