President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed security agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. The deal focuses on providing low-cost drone technology and interceptors in exchange for air defense systems, energy resources like oil and diesel, and financial assistance for Ukraine.
Ukraine Confirms Security Agreements with Gulf Nations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed details regarding new security agreements signed with three major Gulf nations: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while in an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy stated that his country has entered into a drone deal with these nations. The primary objective of this agreement is to assist Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE in manufacturing highly cost-effective drones and drone interceptors. While Zelenskyy had visited the Gulf region at the end of May, the specifics of these bilateral agreements weren’t immediately made public at that time.
The Economics of Drone Interception
Elaborating on the technical aspects via the social media platform X, President Zelenskyy highlighted the cost-efficiency of the proposed technology. He noted that a single Iranian-designed Shahed drone can cost between $80,000 and $130,000. According to Zelenskyy, such threats shouldn’t be countered with missiles costing $3 million to $4 million, but rather with interceptors priced at approximately $10,000. He emphasized his intent to help Gulf nations enhance their self-defense capabilities through this affordable technology.
Exchange of Expertise for Energy and Defense Support
In exchange for Ukraine’s specialized drone expertise, the country is set to receive critical support for its own national security. Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine would obtain air defense weapons to protect its energy infrastructure. On top of that, the deal includes provisions for the supply of oil, diesel, and, in certain instances, financial aid. Despite these disclosures, Ukrainian officials have not yet released the full comprehensive details of the final agreement to the public.
Deployment of ‘Sky Map’ Technology and Training in Saudi Arabia
S, while military has recently deployed Ukrainian counter-drone technology at a significant American airbase in Saudi Arabia. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the Ukrainian command-and-control platform known as ‘Sky Map’ has been established at the Prince Sultan Air Base, while this deployment aims to intercept drone attacks that have recently caused damage to aircraft and structures at the facility.
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