Biden administration investigates how US technologies ended up in Shahed drones

CNN reports, citing multiple officials familiar with the effort.

British investigative organization Conflict Armament Research found that 82% of components of Shahed were manufactured by companies located in the United States. In particular, it is the Texas Instruments company, and an Austrian firm owned by Canadian Bombardier Recreational Products.

Therefore, the Biden administration created a large task force to find out how Western technology, including microelectronics from the United States, ended up in Iranian drones that the Russian Federation uses against Ukraine.

All key agencies are involved including the Pentagon, State Department, departments of Justice, Commerce and Treasury. According to one of CNN's sources, the National Security Council views this task force as part of a comprehensive strategy on Iran, not just its role in Russia's war against Ukraine.

The group is to raise the issue of Shahed equipment with all US manufacturers whose products were found in Iranian drones shot down in Ukraine. The task force will also coordinate actions with colleagues from other countries.

"The investigation has intensified in recent weeks amid intelligence obtained by the US that the Kremlin is preparing to open its own factory for drone production inside Russia as part of a deal with Iran," the article says.

Processors from Dallas-based technology company Texas Instruments are known to be among the components found in some drones. At the same time, the company said that it "does not sell any products to Russia, Belarus or Iran", adheres to the current laws of countries in which it operates, and does not support misuse of its products.

• On December 20, the UN leadership received letters from Ukraine, France, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States regarding the need to verify information on transfer of UAVs from Iran to the Russian Federation, which contradicts the UN Security Council resolution. 

• Also, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace said that Russia plans to provide Iran with "advanced military components" in exchange for drones.