The UAE is actively purchasing Ukrainian drones, but an unexpected problem has arisen regarding their integration
This is according to Intelligence Online.
According to the publication, the UAE has received several types of Ukrainian interceptor drones, including the P1-SUN model from SkyFall. During trials, the drones demonstrated their capabilities, but integrating them into the country’s air defence system proved more difficult than expected.
The main problem is that Ukrainian interceptors were not designed as a standalone product, but as part of a large network for detecting airborne threats.
In Ukraine, such drones operate in conjunction with low-altitude radars, acoustic sensors, electronic intelligence systems and data fusion programmes. It is this ecosystem that allows for the rapid detection of ‘suicide drones’ and the distribution of targets among operators.
In the UAE, however, operators are often forced to wait for visual confirmation of a target before launching an interceptor. Due to the lack of centralised coordination, several teams may simultaneously attack the same drone, wasting valuable resources.
Paradoxically, one of the causes of these problems is precisely modern Western air defence systems. According to Intelligence Online, the UAE is equipped with Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD systems, as well as French Thales radars. All of these were designed primarily to combat aircraft and ballistic missiles.
However, slow drones flying at very low altitudes are too difficult a target for such systems.
Experts note that this is precisely why the Gulf states are not yet able to fully utilise the potential of Ukrainian interceptor drones.
Another problem for countries in the region is heavy civilian air traffic. Unlike Ukraine, where airspace is closed to civil aviation, passenger aircraft continue to operate regular flights in the Gulf states. This complicates target identification and increases the risk of errors.
That is why, as Intelligence Online reports, the UAE is now interested not only in purchasing Ukrainian technology, but also in bringing in Ukrainian specialists and instructors. The country is looking for contractors who could share the experience of countering drones that Ukraine has accumulated during the full-scale war.
So, whereas previously the world was mainly interested in Ukrainian UAVs as technology, there is now growing demand for Ukrainian methods of countering drones and building comprehensive air defence systems.
The war has turned Ukraine into one of the few countries in the world with practical experience of large-scale counter-drone operations.
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