The US military has reportedly started using Ukrainian anti-drone technology to protect an air base in Saudi Arabia, highlighting a broader shift in defense away from expensive solutions to low-cost threats.

The “Sky Map” system detects incoming attacks, often cheap Iranian Shahed drones, and responds with its own interceptors, according to Reuters. Ukraine has become a leader in anti-drone countermeasures after four years of facing mass-produced Russian ordnance.

The US move follows President Donald Trump last month saying “we don’t need their help in drone defense.” Existing US anti-air systems, though capable, are expensive: A $5 million Patriot missile destroying a $50,000 Shahed is not cost-effective. “We cannot keep throwing Ferraris at frisbees,” a US lawmaker told Congress yesterday.