Representatives of Qatar and other Gulf states targeted by Iranian drones and missiles have traveled to meet with Ukrainian arms manufacturers and learn from their experience in building supply chains. Now, Ukraine has become a laboratory for defensive systems to be used in President Trump’s new war against Iran—specifically in fending off Iran’s Shahed drones. The U.S. and its allies deployed some Merops systems in Poland and Romania last year following incursions by Russian drones. The unit price is far lower than the cost of systems the U.S. and allies are now firing at incoming Iranian missiles and drones. Since Saturday, Iran has used hundreds of ballistic missiles and Shahed drones in strikes against neighboring states and U.S. military bases.

Source: Wall Street Journal March 08, 2026 05:03 UTC