By Amir Muhammad Khan
RIYADH: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have formalized a new defense cooperation agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening security ties and technological collaboration between the two nations.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced the pact during his visit to Riyadh, framing it as a measure that could save lives while fostering the exchange of expertise in modern warfare.
The agreement, signed ahead of Zelenskiy’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, sets the stage for joint technological projects, investment in defense infrastructure, and future contracts aimed at deepening military collaboration.
Zelenskiy highlighted Ukraine’s experience defending against missile and drone attacks as a key asset for Gulf countries facing similar security challenges from Iran. Since the
Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine has developed extensive expertise in countering large-scale drone swarms and missile attacks, deploying interceptor drones and specialized personnel to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and with plans to expand operations to Jordan and Kuwait.
Officials noted that while local air defense systems in the Gulf are effective against long-range ballistic threats, they are less capable against short-range unmanned aerial vehicles, such as Shahed and FPV drones. Ukraine’s solutions, they said, provide a cost-effective alternative to expensive missile systems like the PAC-3.
Speaking on the strategic importance of the deal, Zelenskiy remarked, “Our contribution to security in the region will also be a real contribution to global security,” underlining Kyiv’s intent to translate its wartime experience into a broader international role.
