Iran has transferred over 400 drones to Russia – Kirby

The United States is seeing more indications that Russia and Iran are expanding an unprecedented defense partnership that will help Russia prolong its war in Ukraine. John Kirby, National Security Adviser, stressed this, Reuters reports. As part of the cooperation, Iran is providing Russia with, in particular, kamikaze drones.

According to the US estimates, since August, Iran has provided Russia with over 400 UAVs, mostly Shahed. Most of these drones were used by the Russians to strike Ukrainian critical infrastructure and other facilities.

Shahed-136 kamikaze drone

It is also noted that the Russian Federation seeks to purchase additional modern strike drones from Iran to use in the war in Ukraine. U.S.

Congressmen want to prevent the use of Western technology in Iranian-made combat drones. Specifically, the law was presented requiring a report on a strategy to supplement current sanctions against Iran to prevent the exports of technology.

Iranian Shahed-136 UAV, February 2023. Photo credits: Mykhailo Brodsky

Russia's use of Iranian-made drones is a direct concern for both U.S. and European security.

During its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been using these drones to attack Ukrainian infrastructure and locations actively used by civilians.

When the drones were analyzed, it was discovered that some were made with components designed and built by U.S. and European companies.

Iranian M48 120mm mortar rounds.

According to the media, over the past six months, Iran has also transferred about 300,000 artillery shells and a million rounds of ammunition to Russia.

Russian ships are transporting a large amount of Iranian-made artillery ammunition and other weapons across the Caspian Sea.