Talks involve Kiev defense industry and Gulf countries to acquire cheaper anti-drone technology
This Thursday (March 5, 2026) the company is negotiating with the industry for the purchase of drone interceptors developed in the country. The conversations also involve at least one government of the Persian Gulf, according to the newspaper. The objective is to reinforce defense against drones Shahed dronemade in Iran.
The difference in cost between defense systems motivated the negotiations. Each Shahed drone costs around US$30,000 (approximately R$156,000). Interceptor missiles PAC-3 missile used non system MIM-104 Patriot cost millions of dollars per unit.
Gulf countries had been using Patriot missiles to defend themselves against waves of Iranian drones after the start of the war involving USA, Israel e Iran. Supplies of these interceptors are falling, which has led to a search for cheaper solutions based on Ukrainian battlefield experience.
The Ukrainian president, (Servant of the People, center-right)stated on Tuesday (March 3, 2026) that he discussed the topic with the emir of the Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thaniand with the president of , Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to Zelensky, Ukraine today has one of the most advanced experiences in combating Shahed drones.
Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has started to develop cheaper, mass-produced interceptors. Local companies manufacture interceptor drones that cost just a few thousand dollars and can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, higher than the Shahed’s around 185 km/h. This equipment uses different guidance methods, including remote control and computer vision systems to lock onto the target.
