Kyiv, Ukraine. Ukrainian manufacturers of low-cost interceptor drones say they have the capacity to export in large volumes amid inquiries from the United States and Middle East prompted by the Iran war.
Growing demand for cost-effective drone defence
Hundreds of drones based on Iran’s Shahed model and now made in Russia fill Ukraine’s skies during frequent attacks, and many are downed by air defences including Western missiles, fighter jets, truck-mounted guns and interceptor drones.
Now, as Iran launches drones at U.S. allies across the Gulf and beyond in response to intense U.S. and Israeli strikes, Ukraine is hoping the Middle East crisis will increase its leverage with allies by showing them the expertise it has built during four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion could be valuable to partners’ long-term security.
With missiles sometimes costing millions of dollars each, and in short supply as Western armies scramble to bolster their own defences, interceptors are seen as an efficient and cost-effective way to counter attacks by relatively cheap drones.
Talks and requests for Ukrainian assistance
The United States and its allies in the Middle East have sought Ukraine’s help with supplying such interceptors.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday Ukraine would provide assistance in response to a U.S. request for help and said earlier that Middle Eastern nations had approached Kyiv.
Zelenskiy did not specify what the assistance would entail, but a source familiar with the matter told Reuters that the United States and Qatar were in talks to purchase Ukrainian interceptor drones.
Industry readiness to export
SkyFall, a major manufacturer of drones including interceptors, said its manufacturing capacity had outgrown Ukraine’s ability to purchase its systems and the company was ready to export.
“We have had interest and inquiries from our (allies) and countries in the Middle East,” said Ares, a representative of SkyFall who wore a balaclava as he spoke to hide his identity.
Ares spoke on condition that only his call-sign be used.
What impact do you think expanded exports of Ukrainian interceptor drones could have on allied air-defence planning?