Zelenskyy: Ukrainian experts on Shahed drones head to Middle East
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine has sent three teams of Shahed drone specialists to the Middle East. In return, Kyiv hopes to receive PAC-3 missiles for its air defense systems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in comments to journalists.
"We have sent three of our teams. They are professional and fully equipped. This week, they will be in three different countries—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE," the President said.
Zelenskyy also explained what Ukraine could receive in exchange for its assistance in the Middle East. He specified that the request concerns PAC-3 interceptors.
"We are addressing the issue of missiles that are currently in short supply for our air defense systems. Overall, you know that a year ago we offered the US a drone deal, which included interceptors and more," he added.
It all depends on Ukraine’s experience
The President noted that Ukraine has significant experience and production capabilities in the drone sector, but cannot fully use them due to a lack of funding. He emphasized that Kyiv offered these capabilities to Washington.
"What we see now as demand from the Middle East is part of the drone deal. That’s why the drone deal is highly relevant for the US. All American experts understand that stopping massive Shahed attacks can really help, and only Ukrainian expertise can cope with this," Zelenskyy stressed.
He added that even countries that purchased drone interceptors discovered that they do not work without Ukrainian military operators and software.
Ukraine’s assistance in the Middle East
Earlier, in an interview with The New York Times, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine sent interceptor drones and a team of experts to protect US military bases in Jordan. According to him, Washington requested Ukraine’s assistance on March 5, and the Ukrainian team was dispatched the very next day.
Previously, Western media reported that the US was interested in Ukrainian interceptor drones for operations in the Middle East due to their low cost—most of these drones cost only a few thousand dollars or even less.
