Ukrainian drone interception units deployed in Gulf countries
Rustem Umierov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, has said that drone interception units have been deployed in Gulf countries to protect civilian and critical infrastructure from Iranian drones.
Source: Umierov on X (Twitter), following a report to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Details: Umierov said that over the past week he had visited the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, where he met with state leaders and the relevant agencies. He added that Ukrainian military experts are operating in each of these countries.
Quote: "Interception units have been deployed to protect civilian and critical infrastructure. Work is also underway to expand coverage areas."
Details: Umierov also noted that the work of the Ukrainian teams is focused on two areas: the use of Ukrainian technologies to repel air attacks and consultations with partners on developing solutions for air defence, drawing on Ukraine's experience.
Quote: "Our teams conducted expert assessments of the protection of critical infrastructure facilities and developed concrete solutions. Expert recommendations are also being provided to improve the effectiveness of certain air defence systems."
Details: Umierov added that further steps for long-term security cooperation have been defined with each of the countries.
He did not provide information on how many Ukrainian experts are currently in the Gulf countries. Ukrainska Pravda has requested additional comments from his press service.
Background:
- On 9 March, The New York Times, citing Zelenskyy, reported that Ukraine had sent interceptor drones and a team of drone experts to protect US military bases in Jordan, as the war in Iran is expanding beyond its territory.
- On 10 March, the president said that Ukrainian experts in security and counter-drone measures would travel to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
- On the same day, Zelenskyy said that Umierov had travelled to the Middle East with military personnel.
- On 15 March, the president confirmed that three teams, each consisting of "dozens of people", had travelled to the Middle East.
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