Ukraine Spent Big to Shield Energy Industry From Drones. Is the Mideast Next?

Key Points:

• Years before recent attacks in the Middle East, Russia targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, prompting the Ukrainian national oil and gas company, Naftogaz, to invest about $180 million in air defense systems.
• Naftogaz funds military-operated electronic jamming devices, interceptor drones, and has constructed concrete barriers, with plans to bury critical pumping stations and equipment in underground bunkers to protect against drone and missile attacks.
• The widespread use of drones by both state and nonstate actors suggests that oil and gas companies globally may need to adopt similar anti-drone defense measures to safeguard vital energy supplies.
• Ukraine’s military employs a multi-layered defense strategy including interceptor missiles, drones, ground crews with machine guns, and electronic warfare systems designed to disrupt drone navigation and communication.
• Naftogaz is leveraging its experience in countering drone attacks to develop expertise that could benefit other energy producers facing similar threats worldwide.