Ukraine Says Air Defense Holds Strong Despite Sending Experts to Middle East

Ukraine’s air defense performance has not worsened despite the deployment of some specialists to support partner countries in the Middle East, according to Deutsche Welle on March 25.

“We have manufacturers that make some of the best, and among the most cost-effective, air defense tools that can be scaled in large quantities and provide air defense,” Ihnat stated, adding that claims such support somehow undermines Ukraine’s own defense are “somewhat manipulative and incorrect,” Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat stated.

Ihnat framed the deployment as part of broader security cooperation with partners seeking Ukrainian expertise against Iranian-made drones and missiles.

He noted that Ukraine has built unique combat experience with drone-based air defense, while also operating systems such as Patriot, IRIS-T, and F-16 fighter jets under wartime conditions.

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The comments also come amid Ukraine's push to summarize wartime air defense experience into practical support for partners.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine has deployed 201 specialists experienced in countering Shahed drones to assist partners across the Middle East.

According to the president, the teams are already operating in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, while additional experts are en route to Kuwait.

Kyiv’s move follows a wave of requests from regional states seeking practical help against Iranian-made drones, including protection for territory and US military facilities.

Zelenskyy noted that more than 10 countries had contacted Ukraine for this kind of support.

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