Russia is being sent material to establish a drone factory on its territory, which is slated to be complete in the coming year. The manufactured drones are set to be used against in the Russian-led invasion of Ukraine, for which in return Iran is seeking to acquire skyborne weaponry.
Russia is receiving materials from Iran to build a drone factory on its territory that “could be fully operational early next year,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby warned Friday.
The White House released a satellite image of the location of the prospective plant in the Alabuga special economic zone, some 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of Moscow. (See document above)
Washington estimates that Russia has received hundreds of attack drones as well as related equipment from Iran to aid Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Washington sounded the alarm on what it says are Moscow’s efforts to begin manufacturing Iranian drones itself.
In turn, Iran is seeking to purchase Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft from Russia, according to the White House.
Iran has repeatedly denied US accusations of sending military supplies to Russia during its war against Ukraine, now into its second year.
The war has revived cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, both facing growing international isolation.
The two countries recently announced the construction of a rail link aimed at circumventing traditional sea routes and international sanctions.
Khalil Wakim, with AFP
