Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign mutually beneficial defense cooperation agreement

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense agreement, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The arrangement was made ahead of a meeting between the president and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The agreement is expected to lay the groundwork for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investment between the two countries. Zelenskyy stated that the partnership can be mutually beneficial, citing Saudi Arabia’s capabilities as being of interest to Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia has not confirmed the defense pact. The country has intercepted hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles from Iran since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran on February 28. On Friday, the Saudi defense ministry reported intercepting at least six missiles.

Ukraine has developed expertise in countering drones, particularly after battling Russian drone attacks that intensified since late 2022. The country’s air force has reported an increase in successful interceptions using interceptor drones. Ukraine has become a significant producer of cheap but efficient interceptor drones.

In response to Iranian attacks on Gulf nations, Ukraine has deployed anti-drone experts to the Middle East. Yurii Cherevashenko, deputy commander of Ukraine’s Air Defence Cover Forces, noted that drone intercepts in the region face unique challenges such as sandstorms. However, successful interceptions ultimately depend on the pilot’s skills.

The agreement comes amid ongoing tensions between Gulf nations and Iran, with Tehran claiming to target US assets in the region. The assaults have raised concerns about civilian safety, resulting in at least 25 reported deaths in Gulf countries since February 28.

Source: Al Jazeera