The Pentagon and at least one country in the Persian Gulf are considering purchasing Ukrainian interceptor drones. They could help repel attacks by Iranian “Shahed” drones.
Talks on Ukrainian drones
Negotiations over the purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones are currently underway, the Financial Times reported. According to the outlet, a representative of Ukraine’s defense industry confirmed the information.
After the start of the US and Israeli operation against Iran, countries in the Persian Gulf face the threat of strikes by Iranian drones. Tehran reportedly has tens of thousands of “Shahed” drones in reserve. Because of this, Middle Eastern states want to obtain protection systems and are seeking a cheaper alternative to the Patriot air defense system’s missiles.
Ukraine became the first country to deploy mass-produced interceptor drones to repel Russia’s “Shahed” attacks. The cost of such drones is relatively low – only a few thousand dollars per unit. In comparison, one “Shahed” drone costs about $30,000.
Interceptor missiles are far more expensive. For example, the PAC-3 missile used in the Patriot system costs more than $13.5 million per unit.
Ukrainian experience
The Pentagon has also shown interest in Ukrainian drone control technologies. According to the Financial Times, a Ukrainian official described the talks with the Pentagon as a “sensitive” topic.
A defense industry representative added that all sales of Ukrainian systems must be coordinated with Kyiv. This applies even to systems manufactured outside Ukraine.
During the first two days of the Iran war, Persian Gulf countries used more PAC-3 interceptor missiles than were produced in 2025. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a briefing on March 3 that Ukraine could exchange interceptor drones for ammunition for Patriot air defense systems.
Ukrainian interceptor developments are among the most effective. According to Forbes Ukraine, four of the five most effective Ukrainian interceptor drones — Sting, Merops, P1-SUN, and “Blyskavka” – are private developments. Only one interceptor was created by Ukrainian and British state engineers.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Volodymyr Zelenskyy offered Middle Eastern countries Ukraine’s unique experience in countering Iranian drones. One condition for such cooperation would be mediation by regional leaders in negotiations with the Kremlin on a temporary ceasefire.
