Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on the achievements of Ukrainian military specialists who participated in the destruction of Iranian kamikaze drones of the “Shahed” type on the territory of several Middle Eastern states. According to the head of state, these actions were the result of the work of teams of Ukrainian experts in drone interception and electronic warfare specialists, whom Ukraine sent to the region to enhance the effectiveness of countering drones.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Involvement of Ukrainian Specialists in Protecting the Skies of the Middle East
Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian specialists not only conducted training but also directly participated in repelling attacks. In particular, they demonstrated to partners the principles of operation of modern interceptors and provided recommendations for strengthening air defense systems (ADS). The President stressed that the support from Ukrainian experts was practical and contributed to the creation of modern airspace protection systems in several countries in the region.
“And to some countries, we demonstrated how to work with interceptors. Did we destroy Iranian ‘Shaheds’? Yes, we did. Did we destroy them in one country? No, in several. And this, in my opinion, is a success.”
Systematic Approach to Countering Drones and Production Prospects
The President noted that the involvement of Ukrainian specialists allowed for the rapid provision of consultations on strengthening air defense to those countries that opened their systems to the Ukrainian team. In several cases, the experience of Ukrainian units was shared directly during combat operations. Zelensky believes that these efforts significantly strengthened Ukraine’s authority on the international stage.
Separately, the President highlighted that Ukrainian specialists successfully intercepted drones with jet engines, which sent a strong signal to partners. In his opinion, this opens the way for mass production of interceptors capable of effectively destroying such drones.
At the beginning of March, Zelensky reported on Ukraine’s readiness to assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian attacks, and by March 17, 201 Ukrainian experts on countering “Shahed” drones were working in the region.