Russia Obtained Hundreds Of Drones From Iran - Report
Western intelligence officials say Russia has obtained hundreds of Iranian drones capable of being used in its war against Ukraine despite US warnings to Tehran against the move.
Western intelligence officials say Russia has obtained hundreds of Iranian drones capable of being used in its war against Ukraine despite US warnings to Tehran against the move.
It is not officially announced whether Russia has begun flying the drones against Ukrainian targets, but the drones appear to be operational and ready to use, said the officials, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence.
The reported shipment marks the latest sign of what appears to be closer military cooperation between the longtime allies, which are also broadening their relations in other sectors such as space programs, aviation and automotive industry.
It also underscores warnings from critics of the ongoing negotiations with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal that the United States left in 2018. An agreement, which would grant Iran billions of dollars in sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear program, is inching forward.
In mid-August, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed that it held joint drone exercises with Russia at the Kashan Air Base, adding that Belarus and Armenia were also partaking in the drills.
Earlier in the month, US-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War quoted advisor to the Ukrainian President’s Office, Oleksiy Arestovych, as saying that Iran handed 46 drones over to Russia and that the Ukrainian government has already noted the use of these drones in combat in Ukraine.
Late In July, an Iranian lawmaker said military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow has upset the political equations of the global order, confirming Russia’s request to buy Iranian drones.
Vice Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, the spokesman for the drone exercises, said Thursday that during the second day of the drills a set of mock targets modeled from “sensitive and vital” facilities were destroyed by actual weapons.
He added that Kaman, Mohajer, Ababil, Karrar, and Bavar drones used homegrown weapons, including Qa’em bombs, Almas missiles and MK-82 bombs, to target positions ranging from command-and-control centers to fuel tanks, ammunition depots, and radar and missile systems.
Mousavi said various types of combat drones operated by the four units of the Army, namely the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Force, hit the designated targets in the area of the exercises — which covers almost all the Iranian territory and strategic southern waters.
Iran’s Army started a large-scale drone drill on Wednesday, featuring its reconnaissance and combat drones in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, as well as all over its territory.
Deputy Chief of the Iranian Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Tuesday that more than 150 new advanced drones will be flown in the drill.
Earlier in the month, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard confirmed that it held joint drone exercises with Russia at the Kashan Air Base, adding that Belarus and Armenia are also partaking in the drills.
