White House says Iran is helping Russia build a drone factory east of Moscow for the war in Ukraine

The White House has revealed that Iran is aiding Russia in establishing a drone production facility to the east of Moscow, thereby reinforcing the Russian offensive in Ukraine, as per a US intelligence report released on Friday.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, disclosed that US intelligence believes that the drone plant, located in Russia’s Alabuga special economic zone, might be functional by next year. Satellite images of this industrial site, positioned several hundred miles to the east of Moscow, were also released by the White House, suggesting the probable site of the upcoming factory.

The Biden administration had publicly expressed suspicions in December that Tehran and Moscow might be contemplating setting up a drone production line in Russia, specifically for the Ukraine conflict. The latest intelligence insinuates that the project, situated in Tatarstan’s Yelabuga region, has now progressed beyond the planning stage.

While Iran has admitted to supplying drones to Russia prior to the outbreak of the war, it denies doing so currently. Nevertheless, Kirby stated that US authorities have ascertained Iran’s continuous support of the Russian military with Iranian-made attack drones. These drones are transported via the Caspian Sea, from Amirabad in Iran to Makhachkala, Russia, before being deployed by Russian forces against Ukraine.

Kirby described the defense cooperation between Iran and Russia as detrimental to Ukraine, Iran’s neighboring countries, and the global community. “We are committed to utilizing all resources at our disposal to uncover and hinder these activities, and we stand ready to take further action,” he said.

The Biden administration has constantly shed light on intelligence findings illustrating Iran’s facilitation of the Russian invasion.

The White House disclosed last month that Russia was seeking to procure more advanced attack drones from Iran after exhausting most of the 400 drones previously bought from Tehran.

Last year, the Biden administration first revealed satellite imagery and intelligence findings indicating that Iran sold hundreds of attack drones to Russia. The US suspected that Iran might be looking to sell hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia, though no evidence of such a transaction has been found.

Additionally, the White House pointed out that Iran is also benefiting from the flow of weapons from Russia. Iran is reportedly keen on purchasing additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft. In April, Iran announced finalizing a deal to acquire Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.

For ongoing coverage of Russia’s war in Ukraine, follow the AP at https://bigbignews.net/russia-ukraine.

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