Translated with AI
Ukrainian counter-drone systems, proven on the battlefield, are attracting the attention of the Persian Gulf and other countries facing the threat of attack drones, Forbes reports.
It is noted that after years of war with cheap, one-sided drones like the Iranian Shahed, Kyiv has become one of the world's leading developers of technologies to destroy them.
As emphasized, the value of Ukrainian systems lies not only in the drones themselves. The established detection network, control software, inexpensive interceptors, and the combat experience of operators also play a significant role. These technologies make it possible to track drone attacks and effectively neutralize them.
On March 10, the Kyiv Independent reported that Saudi Arabia was negotiating a major arms deal with Ukraine. On March 11, the BBC reported on the deployment of Ukrainian military specialists to Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to train local forces in drone defense.
It is noted that Ukrainian systems are cheaper than their Western counterparts. For example, a long-range attack drone in Ukraine costs approximately $200,000, while Western systems can cost between $5 and $10 million. Cheaper interceptors allow for effective repulsion of drone swarms without significant financial outlay.
According to Defense Express, Sting interceptor drones demonstrate a 60 to 90 percent effectiveness against Shaheds. Ukrainian drones are also reported to have destroyed over 70 percent of these drones' attacks over the Kyiv region.
As noted, the Ukrainian defense industry is growing at a record pace. Production capacity has increased almost fiftyfold and already meets more than half of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' weapons needs.
The drone sector is gradually becoming self-sufficient and partially abandoning Chinese components. Meanwhile, some Ukrainian companies are participating in Pentagon tenders.
It is noted that, thanks to combat experience and relatively low cost, Ukrainian technologies are becoming attractive to foreign buyers, making the country not only a recipient of aid but also an innovator in the field of counter-drone technology.
