Ukraine is rapidly transforming from a recipient of military aid into a key provider of global security and advanced defense technologies. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov recently held strategic talks with representatives of India and Bahrain, and Ukraine is currently developing parameters for comprehensive security cooperation with these nations. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this significant diplomatic shift on his Telegram channel on Wednesday, April 22.
According to the Head of State, the preparation for enhanced bilateral cooperation is based on the highly successful deployment of Ukrainian expert and military teams in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. “There is a clear understanding of exactly what and through which steps we need to strengthen first,” Zelenskyy wrote, following Umerov’s report on his extensive tour of the Middle East and the Gulf region. These areas are currently facing unprecedented security challenges, largely driven by mass drone attacks stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
At the center of Ukraine’s new geopolitical strategy is the “Drone Deal” — a multi-year international defense program. This initiative goes far beyond exporting weaponry; it involves 10-year contracts, joint production lines, shared technology development, and guaranteed long-term financing. Ukraine has already secured decade-long agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, and is communicating with nations like Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq to help them counter the threat of loitering munitions.
The effectiveness of Ukrainian solutions has been validated on the battlefield and is now highly sought after globally. Ukrainian experts have successfully intercepted Iranian-designed drones, including advanced jet-powered variants, across several Middle Eastern countries. Notably, the U.S. military has recently integrated the Ukrainian-developed “Sky Map” anti-drone command system to protect the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the vital reliance on Kyiv’s battle-hardened expertise.
Beyond the Middle East, Ukraine is also advancing its European security track. Umerov discussed strategic tasks following visits to Germany, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands. “Only with Ukraine’s security experience can the defense of Europe be truly reliable. We are preparing our new bilateral security agreements,” the President emphasized.
In the near future, the Ukrainian government will unveil further details regarding the expansion of the “Drone Deal” format. As traditional air defense missiles prove economically unsustainable against swarms of cheap kamikaze drones, Ukraine’s layered defense model—combining electronic warfare, acoustic sensors, and interceptor UAVs—offers a highly effective and cost-efficient alternative. By exporting this life-saving technology, Ukraine is not only bolstering its own defense industry but also reshaping the global security architecture.