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Russia Now Arms Iran With Its Own Drones—A Full Circle In Modern Warfare
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has started delivering attack drones to Iran, marking a new phase in military cooperation between the two countries.
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According to Financial Times on March 26, citing officials familiar with classified intelligence assessments, the deliveries began in early March—just days after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets—and are expected to be completed by the end of the month. The total number of drones transferred has not been disclosed.
The same report notes that Moscow and Tehran held covert negotiations immediately following the escalation in the Middle East. Western intelligence sources told Financial Times that while the exact models have not been officially confirmed, the systems are likely “Geran-2” drones—Russia’s domestically produced version of the Iranian-designed Shahed-136.
The transfers form part of a broader support package that includes medical supplies and food shipments. Sources cited by both outlets indicate that Russia is also providing Iran with intelligence support, including targeting data and satellite imagery.
Western officials cited by Financial Times said that Iran had additionally requested advanced air defense systems from Russia to counter US and Israeli air operations. However, Moscow reportedly declined to supply systems such as the S-400, citing concerns over further escalation with the United States.
A Western intelligence source told Financial Times that Russia’s involvement goes beyond immediate battlefield needs, describing the support as aimed at strengthening Iran’s military capabilities and stabilizing its political position.
Technical analysis cited in the report suggests that Russia has significantly modified the original Shahed design. Professor Nicole Grajewski of Sciences Po told Financial Times that Russian-produced variants include upgraded engines, improved navigation systems, and enhanced resistance to electronic warfare. “These systems are already more advanced than those Iran produced domestically,” she said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that Russia had transferred such drones to Iran for use in attacks against US military assets in the Middle East. In an interview with CNN, he said: “You know, they use an Iranian license and have produced many drones.
They transferred them. I have 100% facts that the Iranian regime used them against American bases and its neighbors in the Middle East.”
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