At UMEX 2026, one of the world's largest international technology exhibitions held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Ukrainian companies presented their developments under the auspices of NAUDI. The presentation drew interest from representatives of numerous countries looking to enhance their defense capabilities.
In particular, India, the UAE, and Egypt expressed interest in air defense systems and their control technologies. Ukraine has unique experience in countering combined attacks using various weapons.
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It is noted that interceptor drones have attracted the interest of the Japanese and Philippine air forces. These inexpensive assets appeared as a result of the russian-Ukrainian war. Therefore, it is not surprising that Ukrainian experience is attracting attention in this area.
NAUDI points to Ukrainian defense-tech company General Chereshnya, notably its Bullet system, developed to counter Shahed-type UAVs. Ukrspecsystems, known for its reconnaissance drones, and Ukrainian Armor, which created FPV drones based on mortar rounds, are also mentioned.
In addition, Slovenian officials have expressed interest in Ukrainian drones, considering them for both military and law enforcement applications. Ukrainian companies also demonstrated real-time control of an unmanned aerial vehicle and a bomber drone to the Polish delegation.
Ukrspecsystems' PD-2 UAV has attracted the UAE's interest for deployment in maritime environments. Specifically, the country was interested in the VTOL variant with the ability to take off and land vertically from ships.
Naval drones, which have been used to force the russian fleet into ports and limit its operational activity, were also demonstrated. It is no surprise that these assets drew the Philippines' interest, as the country is maritime and faces a long-standing conflict with China, which repeatedly violates its territorial waters and territorial claims.
The British delegation concluded the event, during which NAUDI discussed a century-long defense agreement, ongoing cooperation, and plans for a joint defense project. It should be noted that Ukrspecsystems has launched its production facility in the UK.
It is evident that countries are interested in Ukrainian drones and Ukraine's expertise in their deployment. Interceptors attract the greatest interest, being a highly innovative, effective, and cost-efficient means of air defense.
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