Iran tests drones amid US concern of possible supply to Russia

WORLD, Aug. 24 (YPA) – Iran on Wednesday launched exercises to test its combat and reconnaissance drones, State media reported, amid US concerns over the possible supply of Iranian-made unmanned aircraft to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.

According to state television, the two-day war-games will involve 150 drones and will cover Iran’s Gulf coast and most of its territory. The air-defenses and “electronic warfare” capabilities will also be tested against mock enemy drones.

Iran and the regional powers it backs have relied increasingly on drones in recent years in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and the Strait of Hormuz, According to Reuters.

Earlier this month, the US said that Russian officials had been trained in Iran as part of a deal on the transfer of drones between the two countries.

US officials also said last month that Washington believed Iran was preparing to supply Russia with up to several hundred drones.

Iran’s foreign minister denied the accusation at the time and even phoned his Ukrainian counterpart to assure him that it did not happen.

Iran has developed a large domestic arms industry in the face of international sanctions and embargoes that bar it from importing many weapons.

E.M