Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an air defence cooperation agreement during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the kingdom, as both sides seek to counter increasing drone threats linked to Iran.
According to senior officials, the agreement was finalised on Thursday and focuses on strengthening Saudi Arabia’s air defence capabilities using Ukraine’s battlefield experience. Kyiv has developed advanced techniques to intercept Iranian-designed Shahed drones, which have been widely used in conflicts across multiple regions.
Furthermore, officials said Ukraine will assist in building an integrated defence system rather than supplying limited equipment. This includes developing key components, improving coordination between systems and applying advanced data analysis, including artificial intelligence, to detect and neutralise aerial threats.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has relied on a combination of cost-effective drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools and anti-aircraft systems to counter persistent attacks. As a result, Kyiv now promotes its anti-drone expertise as among the most effective globally.
In addition, Ukraine has proposed a potential exchange arrangement, offering its interceptor technology in return for access to more advanced and costly air defence missiles used by Gulf states. Ukrainian officials argue that such systems are essential to defend against continued missile strikes.
Zelensky confirmed that both countries reached an “important arrangement” and held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He stated that the partnership would be mutually beneficial, noting that Saudi Arabia also possesses capabilities of interest to Ukraine.
Moreover, Ukrainian anti-drone experts have already been deployed to the kingdom, where they have begun sharing operational knowledge. Zelensky said their expertise has drawn strong international interest due to its effectiveness in real combat conditions.
Overall, the agreement reflects growing defence cooperation as countries adapt to evolving drone warfare and seek more advanced, integrated security solutions.
