The US and Qatar are in talks with Ukraine about purchasing interceptor drones as a low-cost alternative to shoot down Iranian Shahed drones. They are also interested in acoustic systems for drone detection and electronic warfare (EW) equipment.
The US and Qatar are in talks with Ukraine about purchasing interceptor drones as a low-cost alternative to shoot down Iranian Shahed drones. They are also interested in acoustic systems for drone detection and electronic warfare (EW) equipment.
This was reported by Reuters, citing sources. According to them, the negotiations are at an early stage.
«We received a request from the United States for specific support in protecting against „shaheeds“ in the Middle East region. I instructed to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security. Ukraine helps partners who help our security and protect the lives of our people,» Ukrainian President Zelensky noted on March 5.
Since the beginning of the US and Israeli attack on Iran, expensive Patriot missiles have been used to defend against waves of Iranian Shahed drones. After that, the US and the Gulf states turned to Ukraine to find a cheaper way to protect against the «Shaheeds» .
One source said some of the drones could potentially be supplied as part of Project Octopus, a joint venture between London and Kyiv to produce drone interceptors. Taras Tymochko of the charity «Return Alive» noted that it was currently unclear who, apart from Ukrainian operators, could fly the provided drone interceptors.
«It is quite difficult to withdraw our pilots from their operations and send them to the Middle East. There is a significant need to expand the existing training facilities in Ukraine to share experience with our partners,» Tymochko said.
The publication «Military» reported that the Ukrainian company ARes has created an acoustic target designation system capable of recording the flights of drones and missiles. It is designed to detect various types of drones — from FPV drones to «shaheeds», and can operate in urban environments.
