Western intelligence reports that Russia is supplying drones to Iran
According to Western intelligence, Russian and Iranian officials began discussing the transfer of drones shortly after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. This is reported by The Public, citing the Financial Times.
Preparations for the deliveries began in early March, and they are expected to be completed by the end of the month. In addition to drones, Moscow is supplying medicines and food.
Sources note that Russia has already provided Iran with satellite imagery, targeting data and intelligence. The drone deliveries could be the first confirmation that Moscow has agreed to provide Iran with lethal aid since the start of the war.
Commenting on reports of the drone transfer, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “There are a lot of fake news stories at the moment. One thing is true: we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”
According to a Western official, Russia is attempting to bolster both Iran’s military capabilities and the overall political stability of its regime.
Publicly, Moscow emphasises humanitarian aid. Last week, Russia announced the delivery of over 13 tonnes of medicines via Azerbaijan and its intention to continue such supplies.
Iran is actively using attack drones in the war in the Middle East. Since the start of hostilities, over 3,000 such drones have been deployed.
Russia, for its part, has been producing drones based on Iranian designs since 2023 for use in the war against Ukraine. They have been modified to evade air defence systems and increase their payload.
Antonio Giustozzi of the Royal United Services Institute noted: “They don’t need more drones. They need better drones. They are seeking more advanced capabilities.”
According to Western sources, the exact type of drones that Russia is transferring to Iran has not yet been established. There is talk of possible deliveries of models such as the Geran-2, based on the Iranian Shahed-136.
It is also reported that Israel has carried out strikes on military supply routes between Russia and Iran in the Caspian Sea.
Iran approached Russia with a request for more advanced air defence systems, in particular the S-400. According to Western officials, Moscow has refused to make such deliveries. At the same time, in December, the parties agreed on the transfer to Iran of 500 Verba portable launchers and 2,500 9M336 missiles over a three-year period. Experts note that the use of complex systems such as the S-400 would require the involvement of Russian specialists.
Last year, Russia and Iran signed a strategic partnership agreement, which does not entail mutual defence commitments.
