Russia Seeks Attack Drones Amidst Depleting Stock: Increasing Defense Ties Between Moscow and Tehran

Image: SERGEI SAVOSTYANOV

The White House announced on Monday that Russia is seeking to purchase additional advanced attack drones from Iran. This move comes after Russia has reportedly exhausted most of the 400 drones it had previously bought from Tehran. The U.S. administration had shared satellite imagery and intelligence findings last year that purportedly indicated Iran's sale of hundreds of attack drones to Russia.

John Kirby, the White House National Security Council spokesman, said, "Since August, Iran has provided Russia with more than 400 UAVs primarily of the Shahed variety." He went on to add that Russia has utilized most of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), primarily targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.

The Shahed drones purchased by Russia are designed to hover overhead until they plunge into a target, laden with explosives - a modern version of the WWII kamikaze pilots. Kirby disclosed that Russia is now seeking even more advanced drones, capable of causing greater damage.

This recent intelligence is part of a steady stream of information from the administration highlighting an escalating defense partnership between Russia and Iran. By sharing this intelligence, the U.S. aims to further isolate Russia internationally for its ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

In the meantime, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office declared on Monday that it would be sending hundreds of additional air defense missiles to Ukraine, along with long-range attack drones. This declaration coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Britain, during which he unsuccessfully lobbied for fighter jets in anticipation of Ukraine's planned spring offensive to reclaim territory captured by Russia.

According to the Biden administration, the Kremlin's reliance on Iran and North Korea, countries widely isolated due to their nuclear programs and human rights abuses, demonstrates desperation. The global coalition's successful disruption of Russian military supply chains and denial of weapon replacements has forced Russia to seek support from these isolated countries.

U.S. officials assert that Iran has also supplied Russia with artillery and tank rounds for the invasion of Ukraine. Kirby stated, "This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to the region in the Middle East, and to the international community."

The administration is considering tightening export controls to prevent Western components from being used by Iran to manufacture drones. Further sanctions against Iran and Russia may also be in the works.

Despite Iran's claim that it only provided drones to Russia before the war's commencement and North Korea's denial of supplying artillery to Russia, the White House has expressed concerns over the potential two-way military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran.

According to the White House, Iran is attempting to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft. Furthermore, Iran recently announced a finalized deal to acquire Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.

Kirby concluded, "In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars' worth of military equipment from Russia." This announcement arrives just as President Biden is preparing for the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima, Japan, where he is expected to urge the leaders of the world's largest economies to impose stricter export controls and sanctions on Moscow.