Russia is helping Iran with advanced drone tactics from its war in Ukraine to hit US and Gulf nation targets in the Middle East, according to a Western intelligence official.
Shahed drones, designed by Iran but mass produced by Moscow for use in Ukraine, have been unexpectedly successful in penetrating the air defenses of Gulf nations. Russian intelligence sharing with Iran has until now been reported as general assistance with targeting, but specific tactical advice is a new level of support.
“What was more general support is now getting more concerning, including UAS [drone] targeting strategies that Russia employed in Ukraine,” said the official, who did not want to be identified discussing sensitive intelligence. While the official declined to specify the exact tactical help, Russia has used Shahed drones against Ukraine in waves, with multiple drones flying together and changing course regularly to elude air defenses. CNN has approached the Kremlin for comment.
