Russia Reportedly Turns to Iran for Gas Turbines as Sanctions Limit German Imports

Iran has begun supplying gas turbines to Russia, delivering the first advanced MGT-70 unit as part of a deal for 40 turbines, DW reported citing bne Intellinews on September 22.

The shipment reportedly includes generators, electrical equipment, and maintenance services, intended to replace German Siemens turbines that Moscow can no longer access due to sanctions.

Tehran recently announced production of an even more advanced MGT-75 class F turbine. Iran is also sharing military technologies with Russia, including drone designs used to produce upgraded “Geran” models for use against Ukraine, bne Intellinews writes.

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War in Ukraine

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Russia is simultaneously attempting domestic production. Engineers at the United Engine Corporation, part of Rostec, reportedly tested a 25 MW AL-41ST-25 turbine prototype at the Ufa plant, claiming performance comparable to German models.

However, large-scale production remains slow, leaving Moscow reliant on Iranian imports in the near term.

DW writes that sanctions have exposed vulnerabilities in Russian industry, which for decades depended on imported machinery and turbines, particularly in gas turbine technology.

Previously, it was reported that Iran had executed Babak Shahbazi, accusing him of spying for Israel. Human rights organizations argue, however, that the real reason behind his arrest and death sentence was a letter he wrote to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, offering assistance in the war against Russia.

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