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Ukraine’s Battlefield Experience Is Now Heading to Saudi Arabia via New Defense Deal
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense cooperation agreement, marking a new step in Kyiv’s expanding international security partnerships, the Ukrainian President’s press service reported on March 27.
The agreement was reached during a meeting in Jeddah between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
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According to the statement, the talks focused on developing mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthening both countries’ capabilities in the defense sector.
“Our country is open to supporting those who support us,” Zelenskyy said.
While specific details of the agreement were not disclosed, officials indicated that it lays the groundwork for future contracts, technological collaboration, and investment.
The deal also reflects Ukraine’s growing role as a provider of security expertise and defense solutions beyond Europe.
“Through its experience and technologies, our country will help Saudi Arabia strengthen its capabilities to counter aerial threats,” the statement said.
Saudi Arabia continues to face regular drone attacks from Iran-aligned forces, highlighting the urgency of improving air defense systems.
The nature of the agreement suggests that cooperation could focus on counter-drone technologies, an area where Ukraine has gained extensive battlefield experience.
Earlier reports indicated that Saudi energy giant Saudi Aramco was interested in acquiring Ukrainian interceptor drones developed by companies such as SkyFall and Wild Hornets.
Previously, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat stated that Ukraine’s air defense performance has not worsened despite the deployment of some specialists to support partner countries in the Middle East.
“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,” Ihnat said.
