The oil concern „Saudi Aramco“ is in talks with at least two Ukrainian companies to buy interceptor drones that could be used to protect oil fields from attacks linked to Iran, Reuters and „The Wall Street Journal“ reported, citing sources familiar with the matter, BTA writes.
The company seeks to secure such technology before the Saudi Arabian government and regional rivals such as Qatar. According to the sources, „Saudi Aramco“ is in talks with Ukrainian companies „SkyFall“ and “Wild Hornets“, which produces interceptor drones designed to crash into or explode near other drones.
In parallel, the Saudi government is also in talks with Ukraine to purchase similar drones. Saudi officials have also discussed possible cooperation with Ukrainian company “Phantom Defense“, which develops electronic warfare systems designed to block drone communications.
According to Saudi officials, the Beri oil field was attacked on Saturday by a drone believed to be linked to Iran. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil producers have been targeted by a series of similar attacks in recent days.
It is not yet clear whether Ukrainian companies will have sufficient production capacity to export drones, nor whether Ukrainian authorities will allow such deliveries, as as the country continues to strengthen its own defenses amid the war with Russia.