President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed swapping U.S.-made Patriot interceptor missiles for Ukrainian-made interceptor drones to better defend against Iran’s Shahed drones, as the threat from the Middle East escalates. Speaking at a press briefing on March 3, Zelensky highlighted the growing need for air defense systems capable of countering the increasing number of Iranian-built Shahed drones, which have been used in attacks across the Middle East following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Ukraine’s Shortage of PAC-3 Missiles

Ukraine has faced a critical shortage of PAC-3 missiles, which are essential for intercepting Russia’s frequent ballistic missile attacks. According to Zelensky, the U.S. and other Western allies have stockpiles of these missiles, but they are not sufficient to counter the hundreds of Shahed drones that have been deployed in recent weeks.

“Of course, this is everyone’s number one question — how to protect the sky,” Zelensky said. “But does it protect against hundreds of Shaheds? No, and we have a shortage of PAC-3s.”

Zelensky suggested an equal exchange: if the U.S. and its allies provide Ukraine with Patriot missiles, Ukraine would in turn supply them with its own interceptor drones, which have been proven effective in countering Shahed drones.

Experience with Interceptor Drones

Ukraine is the only country with extensive experience in producing and using interceptor drones to stop the Shahed drones. These drones have become a significant threat, particularly after recent attacks on U.S. and Israeli forces in the Middle East, where they have caused widespread damage and casualties.

According to Zelensky, the U.S. and other countries are now facing a new challenge as they attempt to defend against the Shahed drones, which are difficult to detect and intercept with traditional missile systems.

“We have the experience, and we have the systems that can intercept these drones,” Zelensky said. “If they give us the Patriot missiles, we can give them the interceptors in return.”

Impact on Ukraine’s Air Defense Systems

The shortage of air defense missiles has left some Ukrainian air defense systems empty at times. Yurii Ihnat, head of the Air Force’s communications department, noted in a February 2 interview with RBC Ukraine that the lack of missiles has exposed vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s air defense network.

“In early February, we had systems that were not fully equipped due to the shortage of PAC-3 missiles,” Ihnat said. “This has made it more difficult to protect critical infrastructure and civilian areas from Russian attacks.”

The proposed swap could help Ukraine replenish its stock of air defense missiles while providing the U.S. and its allies with effective countermeasures against the Shahed drones. This exchange would allow both sides to strengthen their defenses against different types of threats.

Analysts suggest that the proposal reflects a growing need for flexibility in military equipment sharing, as the nature of modern warfare continues to evolve. The Shahed drones, which are relatively inexpensive and easy to deploy, have become a key tool for Iran in its regional conflicts.

As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, the U.S. and its allies are likely to consider Zelensky’s proposal as part of broader discussions on defense cooperation and arms transfers.

The U.S. has already provided Ukraine with a range of military equipment, including HIMARS rocket systems and Javelin anti-tank missiles, but the need for air defense systems has become increasingly urgent as Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky’s proposal comes at a time when Ukraine is seeking to diversify its defense capabilities and reduce its reliance on Western military aid. The swap could also serve as a diplomatic gesture, reinforcing the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the U.S. as both countries face growing security challenges.

As the threat from the Shahed drones continues to escalate, the outcome of Zelensky’s proposal will have significant implications for both Ukraine and the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East.