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. Image source: Come Back Alive Foundation Supplies are dwindling and costs are soaring, after approaching a full week in to Iran’s retaliation on Gulf nations hosting American bases, given that Patriots have remained the interceptor of choice to defend Gulf cities as well as foreign bases, with a single Patriot interceptor possibly running over $13.5 million. So Ukraine’s experience in facing down Russia’s significant aerial war over four years of conflict could provide for 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 …