Gulf states eye cheap drones from Ukraine

Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are considering incorporating low-cost fighter drones from Ukraine into their defences in response to Iranian drone attacks. Since the start of the conflict, the attacks have depleted much of the stockpile of expensive US missiles used to shoot them down, including Patriots.

The new Terra A1 drone, being developed by Japanese firm Terra Drone in partnership with Ukrainian start-up Amazing Drones, is expected to cost about $2,500, far below the price of missiles for Patriot systems, which run into the millions.

Iran is capable of launching thousands of drones per month, with production capacity estimated at up to 20,000 units. With systems priced at roughly $20,000, the approach is putting pressure on the defence budgets of its adversaries. Mass deployment of inexpensive technology can also undermine advanced systems.

The Terra A1 has not yet undergone combat testing, but trials in Ukraine are expected in the near future. The company is also considering production in the Middle East, which could accelerate deployment.

(reuters, pir)