Zelenskyy offers 1,000 drone interceptors a day to Gulf states

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UKRAINE: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine has the capacity to supply 1,000 interceptor drones a day to Gulf states to help them defend against Iranian-designed Shahed-136 attacks. Speaking to the British Parliament, he explained that Ukraine produces approximately 2,000 of these drones daily and is prepared to export half of its output to allies.

This initiative is intended to help countries defend against daily drone threats using cost-effective technology rather than expensive interceptor missiles.

The primary weapon offered is the Sting interceptor, which is priced at $2,100. In contrast, a Patriot PAC-3 interceptor costs roughly $3.5 million and is in short supply globally. The Sting is a 3D-printed quadcopter that reaches speeds of 340kph and uses thermal imaging to track and destroy targets with a 1.8kg warhead.

To assist with the implementation of these systems, Zelenskyy disclosed that 201 Ukrainian anti-drone experts are already stationed in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with additional teams on the way to Kuwait. These specialists help coordinate "counter-drone ground architecture," which includes tactical radars and mobile defence teams.

The announcement followed meetings in London with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and King Charles III. Experts from The Royal United Services Institute(RUSI) think tank noted that this reflects a global trend toward massive investment in short-range air defence as nations seek sustainable ways to counter mass-produced drone technology.

Photo Credits: AFP