Kiev seeks new defense partners. Ukraine has signed three defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, all of which are facing Iranian drones and missiles.
During a diplomatic tour in the region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Saturday that these agreements involved a “ten-year cooperation” in the defense sector, as well as the establishment of joint production chains.
“We are talking about a 10-year cooperation. We have already signed an agreement to this effect with Saudi Arabia, we have just signed a similar agreement with Qatar, also for 10 years, and we will sign one with the Emirates,” the Ukrainian leader said at a press conference. “Over these ten years, we have committed to building factories in both countries, with production chains in Ukraine and in these countries (of the Gulf),” he added.
Qatar and Ukraine signed a defense agreement on Saturday, including cooperation to combat threats related to missiles and drones, according to the Ministry of Defense of the Gulf State. The agreement involves collaboration in technological areas, joint investment development, and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems.
In addition, President Zelensky visited the UAE after announcing a defense agreement between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, aiming to capitalize on Ukraine’s expertise in destroying Russian drones to assist Gulf countries. Ukrainian anti-drone experts have been deployed in the region, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
In Riyadh, Zelensky met with the Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, affirming on social media that the two leaders “agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defense. Our teams will finalize the details,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also met with Ukrainian anti-drone experts in the UAE, who “work here to contribute to saving lives.” Ukraine is willing to support those who support them, stating, “Today, Ukraine not only needs help, but is also ready to support those who support us.”
Ukraine has offered to exchange its drone interceptors for much more expensive anti-aircraft defense missiles, which Gulf countries use to shoot down Iranian drones. Kiev claims to need more of these missiles to counter Russia’s almost daily missile strikes on Ukraine since the beginning of 2022.
