Zelenskyy dispatches drone 'experts' to shield US bases in Jordan as Iranian assault escalates

KYIV, UKRAINE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday, March 9, that Ukraine had sent drone interceptor systems and military experts to help defend US military bases in Jordan as attacks from Iranian drones continued across the Middle East. 

The move follows a request from the United States for assistance in countering Iranian Shahed drones, which have been widely used in the conflict with Russia.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine would provide technical expertise and defensive support based on its experience countering similar drone attacks during the war in Ukraine.

The assistance comes as US forces and regional allies face ongoing airstrike threats linked to the expanding conflict.

Ukraine's counter-drone systems could strengthen Middle East defenses

The drones used by Iran are similar to those deployed by Russian forces in Ukraine, which Ukrainian air defenses have spent years adapting to counter.

As a result, Ukrainian counter-drone systems are widely regarded by analysts as among the most effective currently in use.

Zelenskyy said the request for assistance came as the United States and its allies worked to defend military bases from repeated drone attacks. 

Ukraine agreed to send both equipment and personnel to help strengthen defenses. 

“We have received some messages regarding how to help civilians in the Middle East and how to help American soldiers deployed in certain countries,” Zelenskyy wrote in a message posted on X.

“We responded: we will send experts and provide everything needed to protect them,” he added.

So far, many of the Iranian drone strikes launched across the region have been intercepted by air defense systems operated by Persian Gulf countries allied with the United States. 

Experts say Ukraine’s interceptor drones could provide an additional defensive layer against such threats, though integrating the technology into existing air defense networks in the Middle East may take time.

Zelenskyy also indicated that Ukraine could extend other forms of assistance beyond drone defense, including humanitarian support for civilians affected by the conflict.

Putin congratulates Iran's new supreme leader, pledges support

The developments come amid broader geopolitical shifts tied to Iran’s leadership transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

Iranian state media reported on Sunday that Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late leader, had been chosen as the country’s new supreme leader.

Shortly after the announcement, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the newly appointed leader. 

“I am confident that you will continue your father's work with honor and unite the Iranian people in the face of severe challenges,” Putin said in a statement.

According to the Kremlin, Putin also reiterated Moscow’s support for Tehran and described Russia as a reliable partner of Iran. “Russia has been and will remain a reliable partner,” the statement read.