Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on March 10 that Ukraine is looking to establish a defense partnership with countries in the Middle East in exchange for drone supplies and expertise. The primary focus of this initiative is to acquire PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, which are crucial for Ukraine’s air defense systems.
Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine had previously proposed a drone deal to the United States a year ago, which included interceptors and aimed to leverage Ukraine’s production capabilities that are currently underutilized due to financial constraints. He stated, “A year ago, we offered the U.S. a drone agreement that encompassed interceptors and our overall production capabilities, which we cannot fully finance at this time.”
He further emphasized that while the initial proposal was directed at the U.S., interest from Middle Eastern countries could form part of the broader discussions. Zelensky remarked, “Therefore, the drone agreement is highly relevant for the U.S. right now.”
When asked by reporters if American partners recognize Ukraine’s existing capabilities, Zelensky affirmed this, noting that U.S. experts understand that only Ukrainian experience can effectively counter the mass attacks from Iranian drones, known as Shaheds. He added that countries that previously acquired interceptors have realized the necessity of Ukrainian military expertise and technology.
In October 2025, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov, mentioned ongoing negotiations regarding a drone agreement with the United States. Recently, Zelensky revealed that Ukraine received 11 requests for drones capable of countering enemy drone attacks, with inquiries coming from countries neighboring Iran, as well as European nations and the U.S.
On March 4, Zelensky stated that Ukraine would assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian attacks, with Ukrainian experts set to work on-site as part of these arrangements. Reports from the Financial Times indicated that the U.S. and an unnamed Gulf nation are interested in acquiring Ukrainian interceptors to target Iranian Shaheds. Zelensky has proposed a “quiet exchange” of support with Middle Eastern nations, seeking missiles for air defense systems in return.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined plans for a defense partnership with Middle Eastern countries, focusing on drone supplies and missile acquisition. The initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's air defense capabilities while addressing regional security concerns related to Iranian drone attacks.