Ukraines Zelenskyy Signs Air Defence Deals with UAE and Qatar During Gulf Tour

Qatar and Ukraine have signed a defense agreement aimed at sharing expertise in countering threats from missiles and drones. The agreement was announced on Saturday during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Qatar.

The deal includes collaboration in technological fields, development of joint investments, and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. This cooperation is seen as a response to ongoing tensions in the region, particularly with regards to Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations.

During his visit, Zelenskyy also signed agreements with Saudi Arabia, following similar deals reached earlier in the week. The Ukrainian leader has been promoting Ukraine’s expertise in downing Russian drones, which have been used extensively by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Ukraine has become a leading producer of sophisticated drone interceptors and has deployed anti-drone experts to several countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The country is seeking funding for its defense efforts, as it faces ongoing attacks from Russian forces.

The agreement with Qatar comes amid concerns over the high cost of air-defense systems used by Gulf nations to counter Iranian drones. Ukraine’s drone interceptors are seen as a more affordable alternative, but their effectiveness in countering ballistic missiles remains unclear.

Source: Al Jazeera