In response to growing threats from Iran-made attack drones in the Middle East, Ukraine’s president says a growing number of countries are asking for Kiev’s help to defend against air attacks – a lesson Ukraine has learned the hard way.
Since Russia began using large numbers of Iranian-designed Martyr drones against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, Kiev has developed a layered approach to security. Ukrainian leaders say that experience is now proving valuable to other countries facing similar threats.
Ukraine’s growing demand for air defense information
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Kiev had received assistance requests from 11 countries asking for guidance on anti-drone security. Although he did not name countries, Zelensky said they included Iran’s neighbors, European countries and the United States — all of whom have been prompted by recent Iranian drone attacks linked to the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict.
“We are seeing clear interest in Ukraine’s experience in protecting life using interceptors, electronic warfare systems and training,” Zelensky said. He said Ukrainian experts have begun deploying to the Middle East to share their tactics and technologies.
Ukraine’s evolving defense strategy
Ukraine’s emergence as a source of expertise on drone security has been born out of necessity. According to Ukrainian Air Force data, the country has successfully intercepted or disabled more than 80 percent of incoming Russian drones using a mix of systems – often hundreds per night.
Instead of relying solely on conventional surface-to-air missiles, Kiev has blended several layers of defense:
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drone interceptor – Small unmanned systems designed to engage and disable hostile drones in flight.
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electronic warfare equipment – Devices that disrupt or confuse the guidance systems on incoming drones.
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radar and acoustic detection systems – Used to quickly identify threats and signal defensive weapons.
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conventional air defense – Including anti-aircraft guns and manned aircraft if necessary.
Ukrainian officials emphasize that this combination of equipment, backed by practical battlefield experience, gives them unique insight into enemy drone tactics.
Sharing tools in exchange for support
Rather than simply delivering the equipment, officials have proposed a barter-style exchange: Ukraine’s interceptor drones in exchange for expensive air defense missiles, which Kiev critically needs for its own defense.
“No one in the world has the expertise and experience we have,” said Igor Fedirko, CEO of the Ukrainian Council of Defense Industry. He stressed that Ukraine’s capabilities stem from a “stockpile of knowledge and skills” developed under fire, and that while the country is willing to share what it has learned, its own security needs are paramount.
“These technologies for which we have paid a heavy price with the blood and death of civilians and soldiers cannot be handed over for free,” Fedirko told international media.
Global response and local impact
Ukraine’s willingness to assist other countries reflects both need and opportunity. For governments facing threats from Iranian attack drones, Kiev offers real-world lessons that go beyond theoretical military doctrine.
Civilians and military analysts in countries affected by drone threats have responded with cautious optimism. For many, Ukraine’s frontline experience – from tracking and detection to electronic counter-measures and interceptor deployments – provides urgently needed insights.
Domestically, Ukraine faces enormous defense needs. The knowledge sharing initiative comes as the country seeks additional air-defense assistance from Western partners amid increasing Russian drone attacks. Cooperation with other countries could signal growing international alignment against the spread of attack drone technology linked to Iran and its allies.
looking ahead
For countries now seeking Ukraine’s assistance, the next step will involve translating Kiev’s battlefield-tested strategies into practical defense systems at home. As Ukrainian experts travel abroad, their goal is to help improve local responses and, in some cases, establish frameworks for future cooperation.
Meanwhile, analysts say Ukraine’s defense sector continues to adapt, innovate and prepare for a new era of remote air threats. As global demand for expertise grows, Kiev’s hard-earned experience could become a vital resource for countries navigating the uncertain terrain of drone warfare.