The United States has begun using Ukrainian counter-drone technology to protect its Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia following a series of Iran-linked attacks.
Reuters reported this, citing informed sources.
Ukrainian experience in US service: how the system works
The system in question is Sky Map, which Ukrainian forces actively use to detect and coordinate the interception of drones, including Iranian-made Shahed UAVs.
According to sources, the US has already integrated the system at Prince Sultan Air Base. Ukrainian specialists are training American personnel to operate it. The deployment followed multiple attacks that caused equipment losses and the death of a service member.
Amid the widespread use of low-cost drones in modern warfare, the Pentagon is increasing investment in counter-UAV capabilities. Analysts say the decision to rely on Ukrainian expertise highlights existing gaps in the US global air defense system.
Context
Ukraine has built significant experience countering Iranian drones during the war with Russia and has begun sharing that expertise with partners. Earlier, the United States asked Ukraine for assistance in defending against Shahed-type drones in the Middle East.
Reports also indicated that the US plans to deploy a new counter-drone system in the region. These solutions, tested in Ukraine, could offer a cheaper alternative to expensive air defense missiles.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukraine sent a team of drone experts and interceptor drones to the Middle East to help protect US bases in Jordan from Iranian drone attacks.
