Russia starts using drones of its own production — UK intelligence

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.

It is noted that Russian forces have been importing Iranian-made systems from September 2022. Own production will probably allow Russia to establish a more reliable supply of drones.

According to British intelligence, the effectiveness of these drones has varied, and Ukraine has proven effective in neutralizing most UAVs.

According to intelligence reports, Russia is likely to seek UAV self-sufficiency in the coming months. However, the country still depends on components and finished weapons from Iran, which are mainly delivered via the Caspian Sea.

The Shahed construction facility in Russia

In November 2022, news came out that Russian militants and their partners from Iran might be working together to make drones for the war in Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin also ordered the creation of a training system for experts in making drones.

By February 2023, Western media again reported that Russia and Iran were having secret talks about building a factory for making kamikaze drones. Iran later denied this.

In June, U.S. intelligence said Iran was giving materials to Russia to build a drone factory near Moscow. Russia needs a steady supply of weapons for its war in Ukraine. They think the factory might start working in early 2024. The U.S. also said on July 25 that this production could seriously impact the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told officials to develop the industry for making drone parts. This shows that Russia's government is getting the defense industry ready for more military action.

According to U.S. intelligence, Iran is helping Russia build a drone factory near Moscow as Russia needs more weapons for the war in Ukraine.

On August 2, it was revealed that Iran is continuing to build drone factories in Belarus and Russia. This will give Iran economic and military advantages.