Ukraine Turns Drone Skill into Global Business Pitch

Ukraine has turned the fight against drone attacks into a chance to sell its expertise abroad. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has travelled through the Gulf region, meeting leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He says Ukraine offers a full package of skills, strategy and systems—not just drones—to help protect airspace. The country’s drone makers are eager to export. UForce CEO Oleg Rogynskyy notes that their Magura sea drone, already used against Russian ships, can also carry interceptor drones to stop flying threats. Other firms like Wild Hornets and SkyFall report similar interest from Middle‑East buyers, but they wait for Kyiv’s approval before negotiating contracts.Ukraine’s rapid growth in interceptor technology began during its own war with Russia, where thousands of Russian drones attacked nightly. The nation now produces 40, 000 interceptors each month and claims it could increase output to 2, 000 a day with enough funding. Ukrainian officials estimate that next year’s total weapons exports could reach about $2 billion, rising to $10 billion in five years if production expands. However, the government has been slow to set up export rules. Some companies feel that the delay might cost them the window opened by Iran’s recent drone attacks on Gulf states. Even after deals are signed, setting up air‑defence systems and training crews can take months. Experts say Gulf countries could learn faster than Ukraine, which has had to build its capabilities while fighting. The success of this export push hinges on how quickly Kyiv can streamline approvals, provide training and support for new users. If it moves fast enough, Ukraine could become a global leader in drone defence technology and lay the groundwork for post‑war prosperity.