UAWIRE

Friday, April 3, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed ongoing talks for Kyiv to obtain the THAAD missile defense system from Middle Eastern governments. The advanced system could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s air defense network, which continues to face shortages in anti-ballistic capabilities. So, what threats can THAAD counter, and how likely is it that Middle Eastern countries will share this top-tier air defense shield?

Zelensky referenced the potential transfer of the THAAD system on April 3 during a closed-door briefing with journalists, according to media outlet Suspilne. He said Ukraine is negotiating with several Middle Eastern countries to acquire various air defense systems – some of which “even European countries don’t possess.” The president did not elaborate on which additional systems are being discussed, nor did he detail the stage or terms of negotiations. The talks come at a time when the region is grappling with a dramatic escalation in the conflict between Iran and its neighbors.

“For example, there would be no threat from Russian glide bombs. We could reliably neutralize such threats at least 200 kilometers out,” Suspilne quoted the president as saying.

Suspilne also reported warnings from Ukrainian intelligence about possible Russian strikes on bridges, dams, and hydropower plants—critical parts of Ukraine’s water infrastructure. According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s Air Force is acting to shore up national air defenses.

THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is a missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles inside or outside the Earth’s atmosphere. A standard THAAD battery consists of six launchers, each carrying eight interceptor missiles, a powerful AN/TPY-2 radar, and command and control units. Each battery is estimated to cost between $2–3 billion, covering munitions for up to 193 interceptors.

Zelensky’s remarks come amid the eruption of open conflict in Iran. He said that Ukraine stands ready to share its expertise in countering Shahed “kamikaze” drones deployed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During his visit to the UAE, Zelensky met with leaders and reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to support Middle Eastern partners. Meanwhile, Western media outlets have provided updates on the fate of THAAD deployments at US military bases in the Persian Gulf. Initial reports from the Iran conflict indicate that Shahed drones managed to damage valuable radar components that US missile defenses failed to fully protect.

One unnamed Ukrainian military official, now in the Middle East as part of defense cooperation agreements, said many radars and launchers are stationed in fixed outdoor locations. He warned that this posture is risky, citing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war – lessons that, he suggested, have been overlooked by Western allies.

Earlier, experts from Defense Express have sounded the alarm over the slow pace of PAC-3 missile production for Patriot systems and whether current output can keep up with accelerating missile and drone attacks in Ukraine and elsewhere .

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From :

Ukraine / Україна

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