'We Can Provide More Durable Cooperation with Gulf Countries', Ukraine Defence Industry Chief Says
Why It Matters
The deal opens a new, lucrative market for Ukraine’s defense sector and provides Gulf states with affordable air‑defense solutions, strengthening both Ukraine’s fiscal resilience and its geopolitical alliances.
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine offers cost‑effective interceptor drones to Gulf nations.
- •Export controls are loosening, aiming for joint ventures with Middle East.
- •Ukrainian defense industry can produce $55 bn weapons annually, 35% funded.
- •Goal: $10 bn annual export revenue within five years.
- •Private sector now supplies 90% of Ukraine’s drone and EW solutions.
Summary
In a Tet‑a‑Tet interview, Ihor Fyodorov, CEO of the Ukraine Council of Defense Industry, outlined how the war in Ukraine is spurring defense cooperation with Gulf states, focusing on low‑cost interceptor drones as an alternative to expensive Patriot systems.
Fyodorov said Gulf countries are actively seeking Ukrainian drone technology, especially interceptor drones, because they can defend airspace against Shahed attacks at a fraction of the price. Ukraine’s defense sector now fields 25‑30 drone solutions, integrates AI and sensor packages, and destroyed over 33,000 Russian drones in March, double the previous month.
He highlighted that Ukraine can produce roughly $55 bn of weaponry annually, though only 35% is funded, leaving a large export surplus. The government has begun easing export controls, signed agreements with Gulf states, and aims to generate $10 bn in annual defense sales within five years through joint ventures rather than direct shipments.
If realized, this pivot could diversify Ukraine’s revenue streams, embed its industry in a broader European‑Middle Eastern supply chain, and give Gulf nations a home‑grown, affordable air‑defense capability, reshaping regional arms dynamics while bolstering Ukraine’s wartime economy.
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