Russia has reportedly been covertly sending lethal drones to Iran, as indicated by reports referencing intelligence sources from the West. Discussions between high-ranking Iranian and Russian officials regarding the transfer of drones commenced in early March following strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel. The intelligence suggests that a gradual delivery of drones, along with essential supplies like food and medicine, is anticipated to be finalized by the month’s end.
In response to inquiries about Moscow’s drone shipments to Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “There are numerous false reports circulating currently. One fact remains true – we are maintaining ongoing communication with the Iranian leadership.”
According to a senior Western official interviewed by the Financial Times, Russia is intensifying its efforts to enhance Iran’s military capabilities and support the overall stability of Tehran’s government. It is believed that Russia is also furnishing its ally with satellite images, targeting information, and other forms of intelligence assistance.
While openly acknowledging the dispatch of humanitarian aid, Moscow disclosed last week that it had delivered over 13 tons of medicine to Iran via Azerbaijan, with plans for continued aid shipments. Iran heavily relies on one-way attack drones like the Shahed series, having deployed more than 2,100 Shahed drones across the Middle East since the conflict’s onset, according to estimates from Bloomberg.
The exchange of Shahed drones between Tehran and Moscow began in 2022, shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since 2023, Russia has been manufacturing its versions of these drones, modeled after Iranian designs, for operational use.
Although ballistic and cruise missiles offer higher speed and firepower, they come at a high cost and limited availability. In contrast, Shahed drones are priced at tens of thousands of dollars each, a fraction of the cost of ballistic missiles, and are obtainable in significant quantities.
Antonio Giustozzi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, confirmed independently from sources within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that talks concerning Russian drone deliveries to Iran began immediately following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that Russia is sharing intelligence with the Iranian government and aiding in attacks on Western military bases in the Middle East. Lieutenant General Nick Perry, chief of joint operations, informed Defence Secretary John Healey that Russia seemed to be offering tactical advice to Iran and its allies.
Mr. Healey expressed the belief that President Vladimir Putin’s influence is likely backing Iran during the conflict, attributing this partly to the economic benefit Putin gains from soaring oil prices, providing additional resources for the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. He emphasized that Putin would potentially view the war favorably in this context.
