TAF Industries has received a request from a foreign shipowner to provide counter-drone protection aboard a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to reporting by BBC News Ukraine.
The proposal would see TAF specialists deployed onboard the vessel to operate interceptor drones during its passage through the strait, which has been exposed to aerial threats including Iranian Shahed-type drones. The service would conclude once the vessel exits the area.
“We received a request from a shipowner to ensure the safe passage of their vessel through the Strait of Hormuz. This is about providing a military consulting service, not about exporting drones,” said TAF Industries Founder, Oleksandr Yakovenko.
The request remains at an early stage, with TAF yet to submit the required documentation to Ukrainian authorities. Approval would be needed from State Export Control Service and an interagency commission overseeing military-technical cooperation and export controls.
Regulatory approvals and export considerations
Oleh Tsilvik said the agency has received only a limited number of arms export applications in recent months and has not reviewed any during that period. TAF has previously obtained approvals related to military technologies and services and operates production facilities for interceptor drones in Europe.
The company manufactures a range of systems, including FPV drones, electronic warfare equipment and interceptor platforms such as the Kolibri and Octopus-100. The latter is designed for high-speed engagements, with reported speeds exceeding 186 mph and an engagement range of approximately 18 miles.
The inquiry comes amid increased international demand for Ukrainian counter-drone expertise. Gulf states have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring TAF interceptor drones, with the United Arab Emirates seeking 5,000 units, Qatar 2,000 units and Kuwait also in discussions, according to earlier reporting.
The request also aligns with broader Ukrainian efforts to expand defense exports. On April 28, Volodymyr Zelensky announced new arrangements under a Drone Deals framework aimed at simplifying the transfer of Ukrainian weapons and expertise abroad.
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