War escalation: Netanyahu seeks talks with Zelensky over Ukraine’s anti-drone technology

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly requested a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss Ukraine’s interceptor drone capabilities, according to Israeli media reports. The request comes as the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States enters its third week.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, confirmed that Kyiv has received the request. He said the call between the two leaders has not yet taken place due to scheduling issues but could occur early next week.

The potential discussions come at a time when Ukraine’s expertise in countering drone attacks has gained global attention. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has developed significant experience in defending against Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russian forces.

With the Israel-Iran conflict intensifying, Iranian drones have been launched in large numbers against Israel and its allies across the region. Reports indicate that thousands of attack drones have been deployed so far, increasing demand for effective counter-drone systems.

Ukrainian officials have suggested that Kyiv is prepared to share its experience and technology in intercepting inexpensive long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. President Zelensky recently said that more than 10 countries have already sought Ukraine’s assistance in countering Iranian drones.

According to Zelensky, Ukrainian experts have already been deployed to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to help strengthen air defence systems against drone threats.

In an earlier interview, Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine had sent interceptor drones and technical specialists to assist in protecting US military bases in Jordan after receiving a request from Washington earlier this month.

However, the United States has signalled that it may not require Ukraine’s help in strengthening its own anti-drone defences. US President Donald Trump recently said in an interview that the US does not need assistance from Ukraine in this area.

Ukraine’s rapidly expanding defence industry has become one of the most dynamic sectors since the start of the war with Russia. More than 200 drone companies have emerged, producing relatively low-cost systems that have played a key role in modern battlefield tactics.

The anticipated talks between Netanyahu and Zelensky also come amid rising tensions involving Iran. An Iranian political figure recently warned that Ukraine could become a “legitimate target” if it provides drone support to Israel.

Ukraine strongly rejected the claim. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry criticised Iran for supporting Russia with drone technology during the war in Ukraine and called the threat “absurd”.

As geopolitical tensions expand from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, Ukraine’s drone expertise is increasingly becoming a strategic asset for countries seeking protection against large-scale drone attacks.