Information
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that nearly 20 countries are exploring drone cooperation agreements with Ukraine, with four deals already signed and initial contracts now being prepared. Since the outbreak of the Iran war in February, Ukraine has used its growing expertise in drone warfare as a diplomatic tool, helping Zelenskiy strengthen international partnerships during visits across the Middle East and Europe. Recent agreements include defence and drone partnerships with Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands, as well as broader security arrangements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Ukraine has also expanded cooperation beyond drones, signing defence and energy agreements with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev last month. Zelenskiy added that Ukraine plans to begin security cooperation with another unspecified region and said the country has already begun receiving important fuel supplies through these partnerships. The Ukrainian leader hopes that this “drone diplomacy” strategy will not only strengthen military ties but also secure energy agreements with Middle Eastern countries and open new export markets for Ukrainian agricultural products.
Source: Reuters
So What
Ukraine’s extensive experience in offensive drone operations and counter-drone tactics, techniques, and procedures is likely to become a highly valuable strategic asset for other countries in the coming years. Kyiv will probably leverage this battlefield expertise to secure continued military and economic support during the war with Russia, while also strengthening its position in post-war diplomatic negotiations, including potential progress toward European Union membership. Beyond state-level agreements, the conflict is also likely to drive the growth of a private-sector ecosystem centered on drone technology, security consulting, and military training, as veterans, returning foreign fighters, and defense entrepreneurs capitalize on the operational knowledge and networks developed during the war.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!