Russia sending drones to Iran, sources tell FT
Russia is close to completing phased shipments of drones, medicine and food to Iran, according to Western intelligence, highlighting Moscow’s efforts to keep its embattled partner fighting.
Senior Iranian and Russian officials began secretly discussing drone deliveries days after Israel and the US attacked Tehran, two officials told Financial Times. Processing began in early March and was expected to finish by month’s end.
Moscow has close ties with Tehran and has provided satellite imagery, targeting data and intelligence support, people familiar with the matter said.
Drone shipments would be the first evidence Moscow has provided lethal support to Iran since the war began.
Asked about Moscow sending drones to Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “There are a lot of fakes going around right now. One thing is true — we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”
A senior Western official said Moscow is shoring up Iran’s military capabilities and broader political stability. Publicly, Russia has emphasized humanitarian aid, saying it sent more than 13 tonnes of medicine via Azerbaijan last week and plans further shipments.
Iran has made one way attack drones a core part of its military strategy, launching more than 3,000 since the fighting began. Russia has produced similar drones based on Iranian designs for use in Ukraine since 2023, modifying them to evade air defenses and carry heavier payloads. Antonio Giustozzi of the Royal United Services Institute said Iran does not need more drones but more advanced ones. He said sources within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps indicated drone delivery talks with Russia began immediately after the US and Israeli strikes.
