Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a new defence cooperation agreement focused on air defence, marking a significant expansion of Kyiv’s security partnerships in the Middle East as Gulf nations confront growing threats from Iranian-designed drones.
The agreement was concluded during an unannounced visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Saudi Arabia, where he held talks with Mohammed bin Salman on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and sharing battlefield-tested military expertise.
According to senior officials familiar with the discussions, the deal is designed to help Saudi Arabia develop critical components of an integrated air defence system using Ukrainian experience gained from years of countering Russian drone attacks.
One official said the arrangement goes beyond simple equipment transfers and includes technical support for building a broader defensive network capable of detecting, tracking, and intercepting hostile drones.
“The agreement is not only about interceptors, but about building a system — integrating it with other air defence components, artificial intelligence, and the data analysis tools required to counter Shahed drones and similar threats,” the official explained.
Ukraine has developed a globally recognised reputation for low-cost drone interception after years of defending its cities against near-nightly attacks by Russian forces using Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Its strategy combines interceptor drones, electronic warfare systems, anti-aircraft guns, and digital tracking technology.
Kyiv is now seeking to convert that battlefield expertise into strategic partnerships, offering Gulf states alternatives to the costly missile systems currently used to counter similar threats. ()
President Zelensky confirmed the agreement on social media, describing it as an important step in defence collaboration between both countries.
“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that Saudi Arabia also possesses capabilities that could benefit Ukraine, making the partnership mutually advantageous.
Although details of the agreement remain undisclosed, officials say it may include future contracts, technology partnerships, and defence-sector investment.
Zelensky also met Ukrainian anti-drone specialists already deployed in the region, where Kyiv has been supporting Gulf partners facing heightened drone threats amid wider regional tensions.
“Even in a short period, Ukrainian experts have shared extensive practical knowledge,” Zelensky said, stressing that Ukraine’s wartime experience has become a valuable strategic asset internationally.
The agreement reflects Ukraine’s growing effort to leverage military innovation developed during the war with Russia into broader geopolitical influence beyond Europe.
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