Western Intelligence Confirms Russian Drone Supplies to Iran

Western intelligence agencies have confirmed that Russia has sent drones to Iran as part of their allied partnership.

According to reports by the Financial Times and The Independent, which cite official sources, secret talks between senior Russian and Iranian officials about drone deliveries began just days after the United States and Israel launched their military operation.

Media reports claim that Moscow began the deliveries in early March and is expected to complete them by the end of the month.

The exact type of drones the Kremlin has agreed to supply to Iran has not been specified. However, sources familiar with the intelligence suggest they are likely Geran-2 strike drones, which are the Russian version of Iran’s Shahed-136.

Tehran has also requested that Russia provide more advanced air defense systems to counter U.S. and Israeli aircraft.

In addition to drones, Russia is supplying Iran with medicines and food, according to the sources cited by the publications.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia had transferred Geran-2 kamikaze drones to Iran, which Tehran used to strike U.S. military targets in the Middle East.

“You know, they are using an Iranian license and have produced many drones. They transferred them. I have 100% confirmed evidence that the Iranian regime used them against American bases and its neighbors in the Middle East,” he stated in an interview with CNN.

At present, in addition to supplying finished UAVs, Russia’s defense industry is also capable of providing Iran with key components for drone production.

It is reported that a wide network of enterprises is involved in the production of localized Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones in Russia. These facilities are responsible for manufacturing mechanical components, fuselages, and various electronic elements.

Russian plants have also established production of MD550 engines used in these drones.