Ukraine’s defense industry, forged in the crucible of its war with Russia, is now looking to the Middle East as a potential launchpad for global expansion. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy spent the weekend touring Gulf states, signing cooperation deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and signaling one with the UAE. His pitch: Ukraine’s unique expertise in drone interception, honed against waves of Russian Shahed drones, could help Gulf countries counter Iran’s escalating attacks.
Ukrainian firms such as UForce, Wild Hornets, and SkyFall say they have received strong interest from the region but await government approval before striking contracts. Industry leaders warn Kyiv risks missing the moment if it moves too slowly, as demand for drone defenses surges.
Ukraine’s production capacity is formidable: 40,000 interceptor drones were built in January, and Zelenskiy says financing could allow 2,000 a day, with half available for export. Sea drones like UForce’s Magura, initially used against Russian warships, are now being tested as aerial interceptors over water — technology that Gulf states could deploy along their coastlines.
Analysts estimate Ukraine could export $2 billion in weapons this year, potentially reaching $10 billion annually within five years. For Kyiv, the Iran war is both a geopolitical crisis and a commercial opening to build a world‑leading drone industry.
