Ukraine's experience in combating Iranian drones, which Russia has been actively using during the war, has begun to attract the attention of other countries. In particular, counter-drone technologies developed by Ukrainian engineers and military personnel could become important for Middle Eastern states.
This is mentioned in the Time article.
The publication recalls that during a meeting in the Oval Office last February, US President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he had "no trump cards." However, the situation could change later.
Amid the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East, Ukrainian experience in countering drones has become more relevant. After the attacks by Iranian drones, the Persian Gulf countries began to look for effective ways to combat massive UAV strikes.
Despite the availability of modern missile defense systems, such systems are not always effective against the large number of cheap drones. The article notes that Shahed-type UAVs can cost from $20,000 to $50,000, while air defense missiles to intercept them can cost millions.
Because of this, countries are forced to look for more affordable ways to protect themselves from massive drone attacks.
During the years of full-scale war, Russia used tens of thousands of Shaheds against Ukraine. This forced Ukrainian military and engineers to develop a comprehensive system to combat drones.
This is a multi-layered defense that combines radar detection, electronic warfare, and mobile air defense units equipped with machine guns and anti-aircraft weapons. In addition, Ukraine is actively developing interceptor drones designed to destroy enemy drones in the air.
The development of this industry has led to the emergence of new technological solutions that are now of interest outside of Ukraine.
The article also mentions Ukraine's cooperation with American companies. In particular, the Merops interceptor drone was created with the support of American developers, and during its creation, the experience of the Ukrainian military was taken into account.
According to the publication, the US has already sent about ten thousand such interceptor drones to the Middle East, which were previously tested in Ukraine.
At the same time, the material notes that the American authorities do not publicly acknowledge the need for assistance from Ukraine, despite the growing interest in Ukrainian counter-drone technologies.
The author of the article concludes that Ukraine's experience in drone warfare can become an important factor in international security, and Ukrainian technologies can become a new tool of diplomatic influence.
