Iran plans to build drone factory in Russia, production may begin in 2024 - White House

This is reported by AP news.

According to National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, US intelligence officials believe that the plant in Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone could be operational by early 2024.

The White House also released satellite images taken in April of an industrial area hundreds of kilometers from Moscow, where, in their opinion, the plant is likely to be built.

Back in December 2022, the White House announced that Moscow and Tehran were planning to create a drone production line in Russia. New intelligence data suggests that the project in the Yelabuga region of Tatarstan has gone beyond the scope of the plan.

According to Kirby, US officials have also found that Iran continues to supply the Russian military with unilateral strike drones made in Iran.

According to the White House, as of May, Russia has received hundreds of attack drones from Iran, as well as equipment for their production.

“This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran’s neighbors, and to the international community,” Kirby said.

• In May, CNN noted that Iran was supplying Russia with more and more munitions via the Caspian Sea, and the West could not prevent this.

• On June 5, the media reported on a contract for Russia to purchase artillery and tank shells, as well as missiles of various sizes from Iran.