Aramco denies drone deal with Ukraine

On Thursday, Saudi oil giant Aramco denied reports that it was negotiating with Ukrainian companies to purchase interceptor drones to protect its oil fields.

The statement came in response to media reports that the company was seeking new air defence capabilities in light of growing tensions in the Middle East.

The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Aramco was in talks with at least two Ukrainian companies about purchasing drones designed to destroy enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. These systems would help protect oil facilities from air attacks.

The security of energy infrastructure in the region has recently become a sensitive issue, especially after Iran responded to attacks by the United States and Israel with a series of strikes on energy and other strategic targets in the region. At the same time, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies pass.

(reuters, est)