Russia sharing satellite imagery and drone technology with Iran — Report
Russia is reportedly boosting its military cooperation with Iran, providing satellite imagery and advanced drone technology to help Tehran target US forces in the region, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing individuals familiar with the development.
This move is seen as an effort to prolong the war, which could benefit Russia economically and militarily.
Sources, including a senior European intelligence officer, said Russia has been supplying Iran with parts to modify Shahed drones, providing them with improved communications, navigation, and targeting capabilities.
Shahed drones are made by Iran, but the Russians have their own domestically produced versions.
The Russians have also been sharing their experience in using the weapons against Ukraine, with advice on how best to launch attacks with multiple drones.
Though, the Journal and the Washington Post had previously reported that Russia was giving Iran satellite information about the location of US forces in the Middle East.
Sources told the Journal in its recent report that such cooperation has further increased and is believed to have aided the Iranians in hitting US radar systems in the region.
The information is coming from satellites operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces, one official said.
The Kremlin is yet to respond to the allegations.
White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales shrugged off the report, saying that Russian support to Iran is not having a significant impact on war achievements.
“Nothing provided to Iran by any other country is affecting our operational success,” she said, claiming that US strikes on Iranian assets have led to “their missile attacks decreasing by 90 percent and their drone attacks decreasing by 95%.”
