The Drone Deal is evolving into a large-scale international program that includes interceptor drones, going far beyond purely military cooperation between Ukraine and other countries. It also integrates air defense systems and electronic warfare capabilities, says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Army Inform reports.
The initiative is designed as a long-term, multi-year cooperation program aimed at protecting critical and civilian infrastructure from large-scale attacks.
It includes the supply of systems, as well as knowledge exchange and the joint development of a broader defense architecture.
Ukraine expands partnerships and launches arms export contracts
According to the president, Ukraine has already signed 10-year agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. In total, 11 countries, particularly from the Middle East, the Gulf region, and the Caucasus, have expressed interest in the initiative.
“We have agreed on 10-year contracts with three key countries… and we already have requests from 11 countries,” the Ukrainian president claims.
The program includes at least 10 contracts for the export of Ukrainian weapons, as well as joint production projects, construction of manufacturing facilities, and long-term financing of defense programs.
European dimension and energy cooperation expand strategic impact
A separate component focuses on Europe. Ukraine is already cooperating with Germany, Norway, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands, while also seeking to deepen cooperation with the United Kingdom and France.
“Of course, we have strong relations with the UK and France. I am confident this will also develop there,” the president notes.
Beyond defense, the agreements extend into energy and resource cooperation. In particular, Ukraine is discussing gas partnerships with Norway, infrastructure development with Romania, and potential oil supply support from Middle Eastern partners.
Earlier, Euromaidan Press reported that the US Army was deploying low-cost Merops interceptor drones to protect its forces in the Middle East, amid the growing threat posed by Shahed-136-type drones.
US Army is deploying $3,000 drones to shoot down Shaheds — because Ukraine proved they work
