Iran has stopped deliveries of Shahed attack drones to Russia, although it had previously provided technical assistance to Moscow to establish its own production of drones. This was announced by the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of Ukraine in response to an inquiry from the publication LIGA.net, BTA reports.
According to information from Ukrainian intelligence, Tehran has assisted Russia in establishing production facilities for Shahed-136 drones, by sending its technical specialists. The plant for the production of modified Geran-2 drones has been opened in the Russian city Elabuga, after which deliveries of entire aircraft from Iran were suspended.
However, Iran continues to supply Russia with certain components, including avionics and parts for unmanned systems, the GRU specified.
Aviation expert Valery Romanenko commented that the new modifications of Russian drones are even more dangerous. They have a guidance system that does not rely on a permanent satellite connection, as well as a radio modem and a subsystem for video, telemetry and coordinated control of a group of aircraft. According to him, their functionalities bring them closer to cruise missiles.
On June 16, drones struck the “Shahed“ factory in Elabuga, Tatarstan region. Videos of smoke over the area were posted on social networks, confirming the attack.