Ukraine downs multiple Iranian drones over Persian Gulf — BBC
Octopus interceptor drone (photo: mod.gov.ua)
Ukraine recently deployed its specialists to the Middle East to help shoot down Iranian drones, and early results are already coming in, BBC reports.
Ukrainian specialists were sent to the Middle East with their own anti-drone systems. According to the BBC, successful interceptions have already taken place over one of the countries in the Persian Gulf.
"Ukrainian specialists have even carried out several successful interceptions of Iranian drones in one of the countries in the region," the outlet says.
At the same time, direct sales or purchases of Ukrainian drones are still blocked at the state level.
Drone manufacturers interviewed for the report said they had received dozens of commercial proposals from Gulf and Middle Eastern countries, as well as intermediaries.
However, some declined to continue negotiations after receiving a letter from the Security Service of Ukraine in early March, warning that exporting weapons to the Middle East was prohibited and could carry criminal liability if violated.
Manufacturers say that resolving the issue is ultimately up to the government, noting that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly stated he would like to see arms transfers not simply as sales, but as part of a barter, meaning Kyiv would provide drones in exchange for scarce Patriot air defense missiles.
Other manufacturers, however, have already begun obtaining export permits. At least two major companies have submitted applications to the Interdepartmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation Policy and Export Control. Applications are first reviewed by the commission, then by the State Service for Export Control. So far, there has been little progress, as no official permit or direct ban has been issued.
Ukraine's support for Middle East
A few weeks ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 201 Ukrainian military experts are already deployed in the Middle East, with 34 more ready for deployment.
According to Axios, Ukraine attempted to sell its interceptor drones to the United States, using systems already proven in combat. At that time, the Trump administration rejected the offer but has since changed its approach.
In addition, the US military has sent 10,000 Merops interceptor drones to the Middle East, the same drones Ukrainian forces have already used in the field.
