Ukraine received 11 requests on countering Iran's drones: Zelensky

KYIV, Mar 9: Ukraine has received 11 requests from countries neighbouring Iran, as well as from the US and Europe, for help downing drones fired by Tehran, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday after a week of conflict in the Middle East.

Kyiv is seeking to leverage its deep experience countering Russian drones based on Iranian designs as it pushes its allies for more weapons capable of shooting down ballistic missiles fired in Russian air attacks on its cities.

"There is clear interest in Ukraine's experience in protecting lives, relevant interceptors, electronic warfare systems, and training," Zelensky said on X after a national security meeting.

"Ukraine is ready to respond positively to requests from those who help us protect the lives of Ukrainians and the independence of Ukraine."

He added that some requests have been met with "concrete decisions and specific support", without providing further details.

Zelensky had earlier told the New York Times that Ukraine sent interceptor drones and a team of experts to protect US military bases in Jordan after a request by Washington on Thursday.

Interceptor drones - costing a few thousand dollars each at most - are seen as an efficient way to counter attacks by drones like the Russian-made Shaheds, and Ukrainian defence firms are ramping up production with an eye toward exporting them.

The US and Qatar ?were in talks to purchase Ukrainian interceptor drones, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters last week.

Zelensky added that Ukraine "will determine which additional requests our state can respond to positively, without reducing our own ability to defend ourselves."    �"REUTERS