Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that eleven nations have formally requested Kyiv’s assistance in developing defense capabilities against Iranian-designed attack drones. The unprecedented international outreach comes as Ukraine continues to withstand nightly barrages of Shahed-136 drones deployed by Russian forces, while similar Iranian-origin systems now threaten stability across the Middle East.
Speaking on Monday, Zelensky confirmed that multiple countries—including regional neighbors of Iran, European states, and the United States—have sought access to Ukraine’s hard-won expertise in counter-drone warfare. “There is clear interest in Ukraine’s experience in protecting lives, relevant interceptors, electronic warfare systems and training,” the president stated, without identifying the specific nations involved.
The Ukrainian military has achieved remarkable success against drone threats, consistently neutralizing over 80% of incoming Russian drones through an integrated defense approach. This sophisticated system combines affordable drone interceptors—specially designed aircraft that collide with hostile drones mid-flight—with advanced electronic jamming technology, acoustic detection systems, multi-spectrum radars, anti-aircraft artillery, and fighter jets.
According to Igor Fedirko, CEO of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, Kyiv has developed a unique “body of knowledge and skills” unmatched globally. “No one in the world has the expertise and experience that we do,” Fedirko emphasized, noting that Ukraine employs combined systems and early warning technologies refined through continuous combat conditions.
Ukrainian drone specialists are already deploying to the Middle East, with initial teams expected to arrive this week. In exchange for sharing their valuable knowledge, Ukraine has proposed a strategic barter arrangement: trading their proven drone interception capabilities for sophisticated air defense missiles that remain in critically short supply.
Fedirko underscored that this expertise came at tremendous cost, stating: “These technologies that we paid a huge price for, with the blood and death of citizens and soldiers, cannot be just handed over for free.” The development positions Ukraine, once primarily a recipient of international military aid, as an emerging exporter of cutting-edge defense technology and tactical knowledge.