Ukraine has sent drone interceptors and military personnel to Jordan as Middle Eastern nations defend against Iranian strikes targeting infrastructure and U.S. military assets amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Tehran.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Ukrainian team left for Jordan on Friday, which hosts U.S. military resources at the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.
U.S. Request for Assistance
This initiative followed a request from the U.S. on Thursday, as noted by Zelenskyy. The U.S. is seeking more cost-effective technology to intercept Iranian missiles that threaten Israeli and U.S. defense assets, as well as infrastructure in countries like Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Existing Defense Systems
Currently, the U.S. utilizes defense systems such as Patriot missiles, THAAD batteries, and AWACS aircraft to counter Iranian drones and missiles targeting its military installations in the region. However, these systems are costly, with each interceptor missile costing millions, raising concerns about potential shortages of U.S. interceptor missiles.
Ukraine’s Experience with Drones
Iran has deployed inexpensive, domestically-produced Shahed drones throughout the Gulf, reportedly maintaining thousands in stock. These drones have also been supplied to Russia during its war in Ukraine. Having engaged with similar drones for years, Ukraine has developed technology to mass-produce affordable interceptors to counter drone swarm attacks from Russia.
Ukrainian Drone Capabilities
Zelenskyy elaborated on X that Ukraine is prepared to assist, given their extensive experience with “shahed” drones, and has solicited advanced U.S. defense systems like the Patriot system in exchange. He indicated that eleven countries, including the U.S. and several Gulf and European nations, have sought Kyiv’s assistance, with some requests already leading to concrete support.
Details on Ukrainian Interceptors
Ukraine has manufactured thousands of low-cost interceptors during the Russia-Ukraine war to neutralize Iranian Shahed drones. After not receiving sufficient high-end weaponry from allies, Ukraine has emerged as a prominent producer of effective alternatives known as “Shahed Killers.” These drones, priced at around $1,000 to $2,000 each, serve to take down incoming drones quickly and efficiently without the need for expensive technologies.
