The Israel-Iran conflict is likely bad news for Russia's reliance on Shahed drones, UK intel says
As aerial strikes between Iran and Israel continue, Russia may be feeling the ripple effects across the Black Sea.
The conflict will likely negatively impact the future provision of Iranian military equipment to Russia," the UK Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Thursday.
The UK MOD said that "Iran has supplied significant quantities of one-way attack uncrewed aerial systems" to Russia, as well as having provided "extensive support" to its production of these drones.
For the Kremlin, the timing of the latest Middle East conflict isn't entirely unwelcome; with global attention shifting to the Iran-Israel standoff, pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine could ease.
However, the conflict could also spark long-term issues for Russia, which continues to depend on Iran for Shahed drones and their parts.
Iran has also supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and other munitions, the MOD said.
For the Kremlin, the timing of the latest Middle East conflict isn't entirely unwelcome; with global attention shifting to the Iran-Israel standoff, pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine could ease.
However, the conflict could also spark long-term issues for Russia, which continues to depend on Iran for Shahed drones and their parts.
Iran has also supplied Russia with ballistic missiles and other munitions, the MOD said.
The Israel-Iran conflict could have a spillover effect on the war in Ukraine. Russia's dependence on Iranian Shahed drones puts it in a bind.
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