Ukrainian forces have recently identified a new type of drone deployed by Russian attackers, showcasing advanced technological features likely supplied by Iran, experts say. The drone, recovered during post-assault operations, is equipped with a high-resolution camera, AI-powered computing systems, and a sophisticated radio link. This combination allows Russian operators to redirect the drone mid-flight and potentially control multiple drones simultaneously. Crucially, the drone’s AI enables autonomous navigation in the event of communication jamming.
Markings on the drone indicate its anti-jamming unit was produced in Iran within the past year, bearing similarities to older Iranian Shahed models previously seen in other conflict zones. While drones have been a known component of Russia’s strikes in Ukraine, this level of AI integration marks a notable technological escalation. Such advanced drone systems had earlier been observed mainly in Iranian missile technology supplied to Houthi rebels in Yemen, signalling a transfer of cutting-edge drone capabilities to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The use of Iranian-origin drones like the Shahed series has become central to Moscow’s campaign, with Russian forces conducting near-daily drone strikes. Over recent months, these attacks have intensified dramatically; Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces launched over 400 drones in a single night multiple times, including a major strike involving 440 drones and 32 missiles on Kyiv that resulted in 28 fatalities. This relentless aerial assault has driven Ukraine to accelerate its own defence technology, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announcing a rapid increase in the production of interceptor drones designed to counter these unmanned threats.
Further complicating the strategic landscape are deepening military ties between Moscow and Tehran. In early 2025, a drone manufacturing plant was established in Yelabuga, Russia, in collaboration with Iran. This facility produces drones to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine, representing a significant step in Moscow’s efforts to indigenise and enhance its drone warfare capabilities. Additionally, Russia has been working with North Korea to locally produce Iranian-designed Shahed loitering munitions, solidifying a network of allied states contributing to its drone arsenal.
However, Iran’s ability to sustain its support for Russia has faced challenges following a brief but intense conflict with Israel, which severely damaged Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. Although Iran had been a critical supplier of Shahed 136 drones—rebranded as Geran-2 by Russia—and artillery ammunition, recent strikes have strained its military-industrial capacity. Despite this, Iran’s weakened state is not expected to significantly disrupt Russia’s military operations, largely due to Russia’s increasing localisation of drone production and design improvements.
The broader geopolitical implications highlight Russia’s waning influence in the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran-Israel tensions. While Russia maintains a strategic partnership with Iran, its ability to provide military assistance during Iranian conflicts remains limited due to its focus on the war in Ukraine. Moscow’s cautious stance reflects its need to balance relations across the region while contending with the enormous military demands of the European conflict.
Meanwhile, the human toll of the drone warfare in Ukraine continues to mount. Recent Russian drone and missile assaults on cities like Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv have caused civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage. A particularly devastating attack on Kyiv coincided with President Zelenskiy’s visit to the UK, underscoring the persistent threat these drone strikes pose. Ukrainian air defences have intercepted the majority of incoming drones, yet many still inflict harm, prompting urgent development efforts in domestic interceptor drone technologies.
As drone warfare becomes increasingly sophisticated with AI integration and multilayered control systems, Ukraine’s struggle to mitigate the escalating threat is intensifying. The convergence of Iranian technological expertise, Russian military ambitions, and expanding production capabilities from allied partners poses a complex challenge for Ukrainian defence forces and their Western supporters alike.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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