As the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalates, Ukrainian defense companies are expressing their readiness to supply Gulf nations with military equipment, particularly intercept drones designed to counter Iranian Shahed drones. This announcement coincides with Ukrainian officials discussing the resumption of limited arms exports abroad, although practical sales to foreign clients remain unfeasible.
A group of 228 Ukrainian instructors has been dispatched to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan to assist in developing air defense capabilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of this initiative, indicating that these specialists are sharing knowledge on building effective air defense systems.
In light of the ongoing conflict, several Ukrainian defense firms have reported receiving inquiries from Gulf representatives regarding potential purchases. However, no contracts have been finalized. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has cautioned that direct transactions with Gulf nations are prohibited under regulations governing the export of dual-use and military goods.
Igor Fedirko, executive director of the Ukrainian Arms Council, noted that while there is interest from Gulf countries, the process of obtaining state approval for arms supplies remains complex and slow. He stated, “I personally do not know of any direct permissions from the state for our enterprises to supply weapons to Gulf countries.”
In response to the situation, the government has opted to send instructors to the Middle East, effectively framing this assistance as a special operation. These units are equipped not only with weapons samples but also with the necessary tools to effectively counter Shahed drones.
Fedirko believes this strategy is sound, as it addresses the need for comprehensive training alongside the provision of equipment. He explained that simply supplying drones without understanding operational tactics would be insufficient. “We are the only country in the world ready to provide a holistic solution overnight,” he added.
Regarding the types of drones being utilized, Fedirko confirmed that various weapon systems are being employed, including the American Merops drones, which have proven effective against Shahed drones. He highlighted that many Ukrainian manufacturers have quietly developed intercept drones, with announcements of anti-Shahed solutions emerging shortly after the conflict began.
Fedirko pointed out that while Merops has American funding, its development is rooted in Ukrainian expertise. He recalled that former President Trump once claimed U.S. drones were sufficient, unaware of the Ukrainian contributions to their effectiveness.
As the situation unfolds, the market is expressing frustration over the pace of Ukraine’s response to international interest in its defense capabilities. Fedirko noted that the initial day of the Iran conflict prompted a surge of interest in Ukrainian arms, which had been previously showcased during international exhibitions.
President Zelensky has previously announced a limited resumption of arms exports, focusing on creating joint ventures with foreign partners under the initiative dubbed “Build with Ukraine.” This approach aims to integrate Ukraine’s defense industry with international markets, facilitating cooperation while ensuring that any joint production primarily supports the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Fedirko explained that establishing these joint ventures is significantly more complex than direct exports, as many companies struggle to navigate the regulatory landscape. He emphasized that foreign partners often find it challenging to understand the operational dynamics of Ukrainian enterprises.
Despite these hurdles, Fedirko remains optimistic about the potential for collaboration, asserting that Ukrainian defense companies are keen to engage with international partners while ensuring that intellectual property remains protected within Ukraine.
In conclusion, while the Ukrainian defense sector is poised to respond to the needs of Gulf nations amid the Iran conflict, the complexities of international arms trade and regulatory frameworks pose significant challenges. The ongoing efforts to establish joint ventures and training programs reflect Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities while fostering international partnerships.
Ukrainian defense firms are preparing to support Gulf nations with military equipment as tensions rise with Iran. While there is interest in arms exports, regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier. The deployment of Ukrainian instructors aims to enhance air defense capabilities in the region.