Media investigation: UK universities accused of helping Iran develop UAVs

Scientists at British universities may have helped the Iranian regime develop technology that can be used in its drone program. The Jewish Chronicle published a corresponding investigation. Senior MPs and peers expressed deep concern over the findings, and a government spokesperson also spoke on this occasion.

It is reported that the British cooperated with Iran in research projects with military and civilian applications. According to the investigation, they were financed with grants from Tehran. At least 11 British universities are involved.

Iran's Akhgar kamikaze drone at their handover ceremony to the Iranian army, April 2023.

The British are said to have conducted at least 16 studies of technologies related to UAV engines and other aerial drone systems that could then be used in the production of, in particular, the Shahed 136 kamikaze drones that Russia is using to strike Ukraine.

The main research was carried out by scientists from the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, the University of Glasgow, Cranfield and Northumbria Universities. In particular, in one of the projects, British researchers worked to improve drone engines, boosting their altitude, speed and range. The research concerned the modernization of light two-stroke engines used in UAVs.

In particular, the advantages of installing new fuel injection systems in such engines were studied. The article also says that another British university worked with Iranian counterparts to test sophisticated new control systems for jet engines, aimed at increasing their "manoeuvrability and response time".

Ababil-5 UAV at the transfer ceremony to the Iranian military, April 2023

Other UK-based scientists have worked with Iran to research the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as mobile base stations to extend the range of communications systems, on special alloys for military aircraft and coatings to upgrade armour plating. Among the leading universities where work with Iran has taken place is Cranfield University, a research institution specialising in aerospace, which has a strategic partnership with the RAF.

Members of the British Parliament called for an investigation into how such scientific research was disclosed.

At the same time, the press secretary of the country's government said that the UK "would not accept collaborations which compromise our national security".