Key Points
- Intelligence sources claim talks began shortly after the US-Israeli strikes
- They say it could be Moscow’s first direct lethal support in current conflict
- Kremlin denies claims, calls reports unreliable
ISLAMABAD: Russian drone transfers to Iran are seen as reinforcing Tehran’s operational capabilities while bolstering internal stability amid mounting pressure, according to Western intelligence assessments cited by media reports.
The shipments, which Western officials say could mark Moscow’s first direct lethal support to Iran in the current conflict, are expected to enhance Iran’s battlefield performance while helping sustain domestic resilience during a period of intensified military and economic strain.
According to British and Australian media reports, Western intelligence sources have assessed that Russia and Iran were deepening military cooperation during the Middle East conflict.
The reports claim that the shipments, which also include food and medical aid, were initiated earlier this month and are expected to be completed by the end of March.
Discussions between Moscow and Tehran began within days of coordinated strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, eventually leading to a structured delivery plan, Financial Times and The Sun reported, quoting intelligence sources.
According to the Financial Times, the move could mark the first instance of Russia providing direct lethal military assistance to Iran since the outbreak of the current conflict. The newspaper says it underscores a shift in the Russian strategic partnership with Iran.
Sources cited in the reports also covered by the Wall Street Journal say Russia has already been assisting Iran with satellite imagery, targeting data, and broader intelligence support.
The addition of drone transfers is seen as a step aimed at reinforcing Iran’s operational capacity as well as bolstering internal stability at a time of heightened pressure.
Moscow, however, has publicly downplayed the claims.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed reports of drone deliveries as unreliable. “Misinformation is widespread,” he said, adding that “Russia continues its dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”
In parallel, Russia has highlighted its humanitarian assistance, noting that more than 13 tonnes of medical supplies have already been sent to Iran via Azerbaijan, with further shipments planned.
Military analysts say the type of drones under discussion remains unclear. However, Western officials believe Russia is likely to supply models derived from the Geran-2, itself based on Iran’s Shahed-136 design.
These systems have been significantly upgraded by Russia during their deployment in Ukraine, with enhancements in navigation, payload capacity, and resistance to electronic interference.
Observers say Iran has relied heavily on one-way attack drones in recent operations, launching thousands since the conflict escalated.
Experts suggest Tehran may now be seeking more advanced variants rather than larger quantities, possibly to refine its own domestic drone programme through reverse engineering.
There are also indications that Iran has sought broader military assistance from Moscow, including advanced air defence systems.
Western media also claimed that a deal has been agreed to supply portable air defence units and missiles over the coming years. Russia is said to have stopped short of providing high-end systems such as the S-400, amid concerns of further escalation with Washington, reports added.
The reported cooperation follows a strategic partnership agreement signed between the two countries last year, though it stopped short of a formal mutual defence pact.
Observers say the latest developments point to a more operational alignment, shaped by overlapping security interests and ongoing conflicts in both Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
