Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 31: Amid rising tensions in the Gulf, Iran’s Shahed drones have emerged as a major security threat, prompting countries in the region to seek cost-effective countermeasures, with war-hit Ukraine stepping in as a crucial defence partner.

The Shahed drones, described as low-cost “kamikaze” weapons, have been used extensively in recent conflicts, forcing the United States and its Gulf allies to rely on expensive missile defence systems to protect military installations. Each interceptor missile, including systems like Patriot and THAAD, costs several million dollars, significantly increasing defence expenditure.

According to reports, Ukraine — which has extensive battlefield experience countering similar Iranian-supplied drones used in its war with Russia — has developed low-cost interceptor systems such as “Sting” and “Bullet” drones to neutralise Shahed threats more economically.

Ukraine’s approach focuses on deploying relatively inexpensive, fast-moving interceptor drones operated via real-time control systems. These systems are designed to track and destroy incoming threats, offering a cheaper alternative to conventional missile-based defence systems.

The Shahed 136 drones, reportedly costing between $20,000 and $30,000 per unit, have posed a major challenge to high-value defence systems, with some estimates suggesting significant damage to military infrastructure in the region during recent escalations.

In response, Gulf nations including Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have reportedly engaged with Ukraine for technical cooperation and defence support, including training and deployment of anti-drone experts. Ukraine has also strengthened defence ties by sharing battlefield experience gained over years of counter-drone operations.

The development highlights a shifting global defence landscape, where low-cost drone warfare is forcing militaries to rethink traditional high-cost interception strategies.