Russia proposes supplying Iran drones for potential attacks on US forces
Updated
Updated · UNITED24 Media · May 9
Russia proposes supplying Iran drones for potential attacks on US forces
9 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · May 9
A reported GRU plan outlined up to 5,000 short-range fibre-optic drones, longer-range satellite-guided systems and operator training focused on islands including Kharg near Iran's coast.
The Economist said Vladimir Putin personally proposed training Iranians to use swarming drones against US amphibious landing ships, while planners also considered recruits from Iranian students in Russia, Tajiks and Syrian Alawites.
Regional intelligence officials called the document plausible but unverified. Fibre-optic drones, used in Ukraine, resist jamming, and the report fits wider evidence of expanding Russia-Iran military cooperation during regional escalation.
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Russia-Iran Drone Alliance: Strategic Impacts, Regional Escalation, and Western Response in 2026
Overview
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to a much closer relationship with Iran, marked by extensive cooperation such as Russia’s use of Iranian drones and joint efforts to bypass Western sanctions. This growing alignment has raised concerns about Russia possibly transferring advanced military technology, especially drones, to Iran. However, as of early May 2026, there is no confirmed evidence that such transfers or plans to boost Iran’s military strength against the US in the Persian Gulf have actually happened. Despite the lack of confirmation, the potential for these exchanges remains a significant concern for regional and global security.