Washington hires 200 Ukrainian air defense experts to protect Gulf states.

Ukrainian air defense specialists deployed to the Persian Gulf

According to TSN.ua: The United States has brought in Ukrainian air defense advisers to support Gulf nations facing escalating drone threats from Iran. These experts are now operating in Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. This move comes as Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles become an increasingly common tool in regional conflicts, prompting a reassessment of defensive strategies across the Middle East.

Roughly 200 Ukrainian specialists have been recruited, each bringing extensive hands-on experience in countering aerial threats. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s air defense systems have successfully intercepted over 44,000 Iranian-made Shahed drones. That battlefield-tested expertise is now seen as a critical asset for Gulf states working to strengthen their own defenses against similar attacks.

Diverging views on international support for Ukraine

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has argued that

“Zelensky’s help is not needed.”

This initiative reflects both the rising international recognition of Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and a broader shift in regional security policy. As Gulf nations work to counter the growing danger posed by Iranian drones, collaboration with Ukrainian professionals could play a pivotal role in enhancing their overall defense posture and resilience.