A Saudi Arabian arms company has signed a contract to purchase Ukrainian-made interceptor missiles, according to reporting from Ukrainian media, as Gulf states seek new defenses against drone and missile threats in the region.
Two sources within Ukraine’s defense industry told the media that major arms agreements between Kyiv and Riyadh are under discussion. One of the sources said a broader agreement between the two countries could be finalized as soon as March 11.
The second source said a contract for Ukrainian-made air defense missiles had already been signed, with a Saudi arms manufacturer acting as a local intermediary.
Growing demand for air defense in the Gulf
The reported deal comes as countries across the Gulf seek additional air defense capabilities following recent Iranian attacks involving Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. The strikes followed U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran that began in late February.
Regional air defense systems rely heavily on high-end interceptors such as Patriot and THAAD missiles, along with systems like Israel’s Iron Dome and South Korea’s Cheongung-II batteries. However, interceptors can cost millions of dollars per missile while the drones they are used to defeat may cost only tens of thousands of dollars.
Ukraine has also been dealing with large-scale drone and missile attacks in its own conflict with Russia, giving its defense sector experience in countering such threats.
“Ukraine has never had this many missiles to repel attacks. More than 800 have been used over the past three days alone,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a March 5 press briefing.
Zelensky also said the United States had asked Ukraine to assist with countering drone threats in the Middle East.
“I ordered to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists, who can guarantee the necessary security,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Interest in Ukrainian counter-drone capabilities
Interest from Gulf states in Ukrainian counter-drone technology and training has grown in recent weeks, according to Bohdan Popov, chief analyst at defense consulting firm Triada Trade Partners.
“With what’s happening in Iran, a lot of Gulf states are interested in export from Ukraine or in buying the technology or in hiring Ukrainian trainers,” Popov told the Kyiv Independent. “But as far as I know, there is still no decision made on exporting anything, but the Gulf State ambassadors have already reached out to our government to start talks.”
Ukraine has developed a range of interceptor drones designed to counter small drones. According to Ukrainian commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky, interceptor drones conducted nearly 6,300 flights and destroyed “over one and a half thousand Russian UAVs of different types” in February.
Manufacturers involved in Ukraine’s interceptor drone ecosystem include TAF Industries, Skyfall and the group Wild Hornets. A representative for Wild Hornets said that its “Sting” interceptor drone is currently produced at a rate of more than 10,000 units per month.
“Our product is the leader by number of struck targets,” the representative said.
Ukraine has tightly restricted exports of its weapons during wartime and has also limited public disclosure of interceptor drone technology. In November, the country’s General Staff ordered military units not to publish images or videos of the systems.
Ukrainian officials have also expressed concern that exporting technology to certain regions could risk exposing sensitive capabilities.
“At the deep tech market, a lot of private manufacturers are seeking to steal the technology, not only to buy or to do a joint venture, but directly,” Popov said.
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Post Image – The Sting interceptor produced by Ukrainian company “Wild Hornets” (Post Image Credit – Wild Hornets)
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