Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Sent Interceptor Drone Experts To Protect US Bases In Jordan Amid Iran War

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 20:23 IST

Ukraine sent interceptor drones and specialists to protect US bases in Jordan after a US request.

Ukraine has deployed interceptor drones and a team of specialists to help protect US military bases in Jordan, President Volodymyr Zelensky told The New York Times.

Zelensky said the United States requested assistance on March 5 as tensions in West Asia escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. According to the Ukrainian leader, Kyiv agreed to the request immediately and dispatched the team the following day.

“We reacted immediately," Zelensky said. “I said, yes, of course, we will send our experts."

The move comes as Iran launches drones and missiles targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities and other sites across the region in retaliation for the recent strikes on its military infrastructure.

Ukraine has gained extensive experience defending against Iranian-made Shahed-type attack drones, which Russia has used widely in its attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. Kyiv has since developed interceptor drones and other technologies to counter such aerial threats.

Zelensky said several countries have shown interest in Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities. According to him, 11 countries neighbouring Iran, along with several European states and the United States, have sought cooperation with Ukraine on interceptor drone technology, electronic warfare systems and training.

“Ukraine is ready to respond positively to requests from those who help us protect the lives of Ukrainians and Ukraine’s independence," Zelensky said, adding that Kyiv had already responded to some requests.

The Ukrainian president also said Kyiv has discussed security cooperation with several Middle Eastern countries, some of which maintain close ties with Russia. Zelensky suggested these states could potentially play a role in encouraging Moscow to pause its war against Ukraine.

“Maybe they can speak with Russians and Russians will make a pause," Zelensky said. “In this case, of course, we can help the Middle East to defend them."

Iran has been one of Russia’s closest partners since the start of the war in Ukraine, supplying drones and other military support.

The war began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure and senior leadership.

Russia condemned the strikes, calling them an “unprovoked act of aggression," even as Moscow continues its war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that Russia had been providing Iran with intelligence about US military positions in the region, including ships and aircraft.

US President Donald Trump downplayed the report, saying Moscow’s assistance had little impact on the situation.

“It’s not doing much, if you take a look at what’s happened to Iran over the past week," Trump said. 

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