In the ultimate irony of ironies, Financial Times is reporting US officials are discussing the purchase of Ukrainian-made drone interceptors to counter Iranian drones, which some analysts say have proven harder to stop than expected. Patriot missile interceptors used by US allies cost more than $4 million each, while the Ukrainian systems are significantly cheaper and designed to defeat the same Shahed-type drones used by Russia. Supplies are dwindling, and costs are soaring, after approaching a full week into Iran’s retaliation against Gulf nations hosting American bases. Patriots have remained the interceptor of choice to defend Gulf cities and foreign bases, with a single Patriot interceptor possibly costing over $13.5 million. So Ukraine’s experience facing down Russia’s significant aerial campaign over four years of conflict could provide a cheaper alternative. The Financial Times describes, citing sources familiar with the discussions, that “Ukrainian drone interceptors are proving they can take down Shaheds at a fraction of the cost.” However, officials have also stated that any export of Ukrainian systems would need Ukrainian government approval, even if assembled abroad. This might prove a tall order given that Ukraine is already desperate to get more defence weaponry from the West, and in reality is the last country that can just spare […]