U.S. and Gulf Nations Seek Ukrainian Expertise to Counter Iranian Drones

February 19 – March 7, 2026

Where Things Stand

The U.S. is currently deploying Merops anti-drone systems to the Middle East and negotiating the purchase of Ukrainian-made interceptor drones to protect American personnel and Gulf allies. Ukrainian military experts are actively transferring battlefield-tested tactics to counter low-flying Iranian Shahed drones that have previously bypassed standard U.S. air defenses.

How We Got Here

Mar 12, 2026President Zelenskyy offered Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman specific technical assistance and expertise to counter Iranian-made drone threats. [Al Jazeera Online]

Mar 10, 2026The U.S. Army began deploying specialized anti-drone systems to the Middle East that were previously tested and refined on Ukrainian battlefields. [The Wall Street Journal]

Mar 09, 2026U.S. and Qatari officials entered negotiations to acquire Ukrainian-manufactured interceptor drones designed to down Shahed-style loitering munitions. [Reuters]

Policies— 1 policy

President Trump and Ukraine Officials Draft New Peace Framework to End War Following Geneva Talks

19 Articles

Zelenskyy offers Saudi Arabia's MBS help countering Iranian drones

Al Jazeera OnlineCenter Left

Ukrainian forces halt advance in Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv officials say - The Boston Globe

The Boston GlobeCenter Left

U.S. Army Sends Ukraine-Tested Drones to Hit Iran's Drones

The Wall Street JournalCenter

Ukraine's counter-drone expertise has been hard won. War in the Middle East may reveal its silver lining

CNN InternationalCenter Left

U.S. will send anti-drone system to Mideast after successful use in Ukraine, officials say

PBS.orgCenter Left

'We know Shaheds': Inside Ukraine's bid to support US in Iran attacks

Al Jazeera OnlineCenter Left

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.