Zelenskyy Announces 201 Ukrainian Anti-Drone Specialists Deployed in Middle East

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 201 Ukrainian military experts have been deployed across the Middle East and Gulf region.

“More than 200 Ukrainian military experts are in the Gulf region and wider Middle East helping governments in their defence against Iran’s drone attacks, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said”

Al Jazeera

An additional 34 specialists are ready for deployment to assist in countering Iranian drone threats.

Al Jazeera

These anti-drone specialists are currently operating in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and are en route to Kuwait.

The Ukrainian president made this announcement during his address to dozens of UK Parliament members in London on March 17, 2026.

The deployment reflects growing international demand for Ukraine's expertise in drone defense systems.

The deployment came at the request of international partners, particularly the United States.

This initiative is part of a broader drone cooperation agreement between Ukraine and Washington.

Business Insider

Zelenskyy noted the drone deal remains 'on the table' and Ukraine is ready to offer similar cooperation to other partners.

This represents a strategic expansion of Ukraine's military assistance beyond European borders.

The expertise comes from years of defending against thousands of Russian and Iranian drone attacks.

Ukraine has developed significant technical capabilities in countering Shahed drones.

“President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the number of Ukrainian military experts sent to the Middle East to help counter Iranian drones”

LIGA.net

Their forces claim to regularly intercept about 90% of Shahed drones and Russian missiles.

A single Iranian Shahed drone costs $20,000-$50,000, while traditional defense methods cost up to $4 million.

Ukraine uses interceptor systems that can take down one Shahed with just two or three interceptors.

This cost-effective approach has attracted significant international interest.

The deployment follows heightened tensions in the Middle East after US-Israel's Operation Epic Fury on February 28.

Iran launched thousands of Shahed drones at US forces and Gulf states in response.

mezha.net

Zelenskyy highlighted the interconnected nature of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Iran taught Russia drone launching and provided production technology.

Russia subsequently upgraded the systems, and Iranian Shaheds contain Russian components.

Ukraine can produce 2,000 interceptor drones daily according to Zelenskyy.

“Speaking in an address to Britain’s parliament, Zelensky said 201 Ukrainian specialists were already in the region, with another 34 ready to deploy, Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported”

Polskie Radio

The country needs roughly 1,000 interceptor drones per day for its own defense.

Polskie Radio

The remaining production capacity could be allocated to allies and partners.

This represents a shift from consumer to supplier of military technology.

The deployment is both revenue-generating and strategically expands Ukraine's global influence.