Iran hands over its satellites to Russia to be launched into space
Photo: Iran hands over satellites to Russia for launch into space (Getty Images)
Iran is handing over two of its satellites to Russia. Moscow is to launch them into space, Reuters.
Local state media report that Iran has sent two satellites of its production to Russia to be launched into orbit by a Russian spacecraft. The satellites in question are the Kowsar satellite for high-resolution imaging and the small Hodhod satellite.
According to the Iranian media, Kowsar can be used in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster relief. Hodhod is designed for satellite communications. It can be used in remote areas with little access to terrestrial networks.
Russia has already sent Iranian satellites into orbit in February 2024 and 2022. At the time, the United States was concerned about space cooperation between Russia and Iran. Washington feared that the satellites would help Russia in its war against Ukraine and allow Iran to track potential military targets in Israel and the Middle East.
Cooperation between Iran and Russia
Iran is perhaps Russia's largest military partner. Tehran has provided Moscow with Shahed-type kamikaze drones and technologies for their production. Iran has also provided Russia with ballistic missiles.
Western media speculated that the Russian regime had given Iran military aircraft in return. Western partners fear that Moscow may share nuclear technology and resources for weapons production with Tehran.
According to The Telegraph, Iran believes that Russia owes it for weapons supplies.
