Ukraine deployed military experts to the Gulf region to help defend against Iranian drone attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Monday. Zelensky said Ukrainian specialists were sent at the request of U.S. officials familiar with Kyiv’s experience countering Shahed-type unmanned systems in the war with Russia.
The deployment underscores deepening security cooperation between Ukraine and Gulf states during the Iran conflict. Teams are expected to advise on detection, electronic warfare and rapid repair of damaged infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials portrayed the mission as reciprocal support after Western arms deliveries to Kyiv. Iran has used drone swarms against shipping and bases, prompting allied searches for proven countermeasures.
Analysts said knowledge transfer could accelerate Gulf acquisitions of Ukrainian defense technology. Tehran condemned foreign involvement and warned it would treat advisers as legitimate targets if hostilities resume.
Ukrainian technicians previously adapted counter-drone tactics tested against Russian strikes on power plants. Gulf officials said cooperation does not imply direct Ukrainian combat involvement but technical assistance. Iran warned foreign experts could become targets if hostilities resume.
Gulf air defense units conducted joint drills with U.S. forces over the weekend. Ukrainian officials said expertise sharing does not involve deployment of combat brigades, only technical teams.
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Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine_in_the_2026_Iran_war