Iran smuggled advanced drones to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine using boats and a state-owned airline, an exclusive report in The Guardian revealed on Sunday, citing Iranian sources.
Most of the drones were picked up covertly by an Iranian ship from a base near the Caspian Sea but some were shipped on an Iranian state-owned airline.
At least 18 of the drones were delivered to Russia after a visit to Tehran by Russian technicians and officers in November, where they were shown Iranian military technologies.
During the visit, the Russian delegation picked six Mohajer-6 and 12 Shahed 191 and 129 drones.
While Shahed 131 and 136 drones have been used by Russia in kamikaze attacks, Shahed 191 and 129 drones are capable of returning intact after delivering an explosive payload, according to the report.
Ties warming between Iran and Russia
The news highlighted warming ties between Iran and Russia, especially as both find themself increasingly at odds with the United States, The Guardian noted.
US officials said last August that they expected Iran to sell the Shahed 191 and 129 drones to Russia after it had showcased them in June. Mojaher-6 drones have been shot down in Ukraine since September, according to the report.
The report also noted that Russia has been running out of missiles due to its massive bombing campaign of Ukraine and it has therefore been depending on North Korea and Iran to replenish its ammunition.