Russia receives batch of Iranian drones likely for use in Ukraine - CNN

Russia has purchased and delivered to its territory the first batch of Iranian combat drones that will be likely deployed on the battlefield in Ukraine.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, Joe Biden’s administration officials told this to CNN.

“The US assesses Russia is now in possession of weapons-capable Iranian drones that they will likely deploy on the battlefield in Ukraine,” the officials said.

It is noted that the Russians picked up the drones from an Iranian airfield earlier this month and transported them back to Russia in cargo planes in mid-August. 

“The US now believes that Russia has officially purchased and transferred the Mohajer-6 and Shahed-series drones — the Shahed-129 and Shahed-191 — back to Russia, likely for use in the war in Ukraine,” the officials said.

It is specified that these types of UAVs are capable of carrying precision guided munitions and can be used for surveillance.

“The US believes that Russia intends to import hundreds of them to use for air-to-surface attacks, electronic warfare and targeting inside Ukraine,” the officials said.

However, many of the drones Russia has purchased from Iran have already experienced numerous failures, so it is unclear how useful they could be for the Russians when deployed, the officials noted.

iy