Russia nears completion of lethal drone and aid deliveries to Tehran, FT reports

Moscow is nearing the finalization of a phased shipment involving lethal drones, medicine, and food to Iran. According to reporting from The Financial Times, citing western intelligence, the deliveries aim to bolster the Iranian regime’s fighting capabilities and internal stability.

 

Strategic discussions regarding the transfer reportedly began in secret immediately following recent military strikes on Tehran by Israel and the United States. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov addressed the reports by stating, “There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true — we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”

The shipment marks a significant shift as it represents the first documented instance of Moscow providing lethal military support to Iran since the conflict's onset. Beyond weaponry, Russia has supported its ally with sensitive satellite imagery, targeting data, and intelligence, people familiar with the matter told FT.

While Iran possesses a vast domestic drone program, experts suggest they are seeking the more advanced modifications Russia has developed during the war in Ukraine. Antonio Giustozzi, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, was quoted by FT as noting, “They don’t need more drones. They need better drones. They are after the more advanced capabilities.”

Specifically, Tehran appears interested in reverse-engineering Russian enhancements to navigation and anti-jamming systems to improve their own indigenous hardware. Nicole Grajewski, a professor at Sciences Po, observed, “The Russians dramatically improved the Shaheds, including modifications to the engines, navigation and anti-jamming capabilities.”

source https://www.investing.com/news/world-news/russia-nears-completion-of-lethal-drone-and-aid-deliveries-to-tehran-ft-reports-4581182