US deploys Ukrainian counter-drone system at Saudi base after attacks

The US military has recently deployed Ukrainian counter-drone technology at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, as it seeks to strengthen defences against repeated drone and missile attacks that have damaged infrastructure, destroyed aircraft, and killed at least one service member, multiple sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

At the centre of the deployment is Sky Map, a Ukrainian-developed command-and-control platform widely used on the battlefield in Ukraine. Ukrainian military personnel have arrived at the base in recent weeks to train US forces in operating the system, which integrates data from sensors and radars to detect incoming threats and coordinate counter-attacks using interceptor drones.

The move highlights how Ukraine has advanced rapidly in drone and counter-drone warfare during its four-year war with Russia, particularly in countering Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Analysts say the adoption of Ukrainian technology at a major US installation underscores longstanding gaps in US air and missile defence coverage.

“There’s been longstanding gaps in US air missile defence coverage around the world,” said Timothy Walton of the Hudson Institute. “This has been well understood. However, it hasn’t been addressed.”

The deployment comes despite President Donald Trump publicly dismissing Ukrainian assistance last month, stating: “We don’t need their help in drone defence.”

Prince Sultan Air Base, located about 400 miles from Iran, has faced waves of drone and missile attacks since the start of the regional conflict. Among the damage reported were the destruction of an E-3 AWACS aircraft and damage to KC-135 refuelling planes, as well as the loss of infrastructure supporting missile defence systems.

The Pentagon has increased investment in counter-drone capabilities, committing $350 million to new technologies under Operation Epic Fury. However, officials acknowledge challenges remain, with one recent test of a counter-drone interceptor ending in a crash on the base.

“There is no ‘silver bullet’ tool that will stop every drone threat,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.

By Tamilla Hasanova