Ukraine Offers Drone Defense Expertise to Gulf Allies, Seeks Tech and Funding in Return

KYIV, March 15 (Reuters) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Sunday that Kyiv is prepared to share its battlefield-honed expertise in neutralizing Iranian ‘kamikaze’ drones with Middle Eastern partners, but expects discussions on reciprocal financial and technological support in return.

The announcement follows the deployment of several Ukrainian teams, each comprising dozens of specialists, to four locations in the region. Their mission involves conducting detailed threat assessments and demonstrating effective counter-drone tactics developed during Ukraine’s prolonged defense against Russian aerial assaults.

"We are providing protection and a thorough, complete assessment on how to counter the Shaheds," Zelenskiy told reporters, referring to the Iranian-developed drones. He emphasized the engagements are purely defensive: "This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran."

Gulf states, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have expended significant resources intercepting similar Iranian drones and missiles. With Ukraine successfully downing dozens of Russian-launched Shaheds nightly using a mix of electronic warfare, interceptor drones, and air defenses, its practical knowledge has become a valuable commodity.

Zelenskiy noted that nearly a dozen countries globally have sought Ukraine's advice on drone defense. While the immediate focus is on knowledge transfer, the President made clear that compensation is a priority. "Honestly, for us today, both the technology and the funding are important," he said, adding that the specifics of any return "still needed to be discussed."

Analysis: This move marks a strategic pivot for Ukraine, transforming its frontline experience into diplomatic and economic capital. It also highlights a growing global market for affordable, proven asymmetric defense solutions. Separately, Zelenskiy expressed uncertainty regarding a long-sought bilateral drone cooperation agreement with the United States.

Reactions:

"This is a logical step. Ukraine is essentially monetizing its painful expertise," said David Chen, a defense analyst at the Global Security Institute. "It helps partners and brings in resources Kyiv desperately needs."

"It’s about time our allies paid for the shield we’ve been building with our blood," remarked Olena Kovalenko, a Kyiv-based volunteer aid coordinator. "Every intercepted drone abroad is one less component for Russia’s war machine. They should pay, and pay well."

"We must be cautious," warned Marcus Thorne, a former diplomat. "While beneficial, such exchanges could complicate regional geopolitics and draw accusations of fueling proxy dynamics."

"Absolutely shameless bargaining while our soldiers die," Ivan Petrovich, a veteran living in Odesa, commented sharply. "The government is trading military secrets like a marketplace. Who ensures this tech won't eventually be used against us?"

(Reporting by Max Hunder and Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)