Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed requests from the United States and Gulf states for low-cost interceptor drones designed to counter Iranian-made Shahed attack drones. Developed during over four years of Russian drone assaults, these systems use cameras, artificial intelligence, and remote piloting to ram and destroy incoming threats midair.
The interceptors address a critical cost imbalance. Iranian Shahed drones cost around $30,000 each, while Patriot missiles run into millions per shot. Ukrainian models, such as General Cherry’s Bullet, Skyfall’s P1-Sun, and Wild Hornets’ Sting, price at $1,000 to a few thousand dollars. The P1-Sun reaches over 300 km/h, with Skyfall claiming production up to 50,000 units monthly and over 1,500 Shahed kills since late 2025. General Cherry reports its Bullet has downed several hundred targets.
Zelenskyy stated, “We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against ‘shaheds’ in the Middle East region. Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security.” He directed officials to supply equipment and specialists, provided Ukraine’s defenses remain intact. Every Gulf government, including the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, has contacted Kyiv directly or via Washington.
Talks with the Pentagon and a Gulf partner focus on quantities, integration with radar networks, and maritime adaptations like Sting deployments from Odesa drone boats. Gulf states depleted over 800 Patriot missiles in three days against Shahed swarms, exceeding Ukraine’s four-year reserves. Ukraine eyes these exchanges for Patriot missiles to bolster its air defenses.