Russia and Iran Strengthen Defense Relationship

The Iskander missile system, with a range of approximately 310 miles and the capability to launch both conventional and nuclear warheads, is a critical element of Russia's ballistic missile arsenal. As Iran enhances its military procurement from Russia, the threat to U.S. interests and allies in the Middle East intensifies. This partnership has evolved beyond arms purchases, as Iran has become a key supplier of drones to Russia, particularly in light of Ukraine's effective use of Turkish drones during the ongoing conflict. Since August 2022, Iran has been transferring attack and surveillance drones to Russia, which have been deployed in swarm attacks against Ukrainian targets. These drones, while relatively inexpensive to produce, have proven effective in overwhelming Ukraine's air defenses, causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure and military assets. By the end of February, Russia had launched around 4,600 Iranian-designed drones, including the Shahed-136, which utilizes technology acquired from a German firm. Despite the high markup paid by Russia for these drones, their cost remains significantly lower than that of advanced missile systems. In a bid to increase drone production and reduce costs, Russia has established a factory in Tatarstan to manufacture these drones domestically. Reports suggest that Russian engineers are also enhancing drone designs to improve stealth capabilities, further complicating the security landscape for the West. The deepening military ties between Moscow and Tehran, driven by mutual interests and strategic necessities, pose ongoing challenges for Western nations. Iran's involvement in recent attacks by Hamas against Israel also serves to bolster Russia's position, potentially creating rifts within the Western alliance while alleviating pressure on Russian forces in Ukraine.