Russia no longer needs Iran's support in the war against Ukraine - FT
Photo: Russia no longer needs Iranian support in its war against Ukraine (Getty Images)
Russia no longer needs Iran's constant support to wage war in Ukraine, as the country's defense industry has switched to Chinese components and technologies, reports the Financial Times.
After the conflict between Israel and Iran, the latter's military industry suffered significant damage. Against this background, it may seem that Russia may also feel the negative effects of strikes on Tehran's infrastructure on its own military campaign in Ukraine.
It has been confirmed that Israeli and American strikes have damaged Iranian drone and missile production. Iranian weapons, especially attack drones, have been valuable to Russia's war effort. Now, having suffered such serious destruction, Tehran will need to rebuild, and it may not be able to help the Kremlin in Ukraine for quite some time.
But experts point out that Russia has not actually used Iranian technology and weapons for some time, and has been producing everything on its own with the support of China.
How Iran supported Russia
Iran provided Russia with Shahed-136 attack drones and technology for their production. Iran also supported Russia's war in other ways, providing artillery shells and equipment.
But now Russia is producing a huge number of Shahed 136 drones on its own, having received production technology, blueprints, and training programs from the Iranians. A reduction in Iran's missile production would also have limited consequences for Russia.
According to analysts, the Kremlin has also recently greatly expanded its international activities, creating new alliances with North Korea and China.
China's assistance
Russia has increasingly turned to China for spare parts. The construction of the Russian-Chinese logistics complex in Alabuga means China's growing involvement in drone production, including new models with artificial intelligence.
Backstory
Earlier it was reported that Russian spies could be sent to Tehran to study about Israeli F-35 operations over Iran. This move allows Moscow to analyze vulnerabilities and adapt its own air defense systems. However, the growing instability in the region complicates the long-term planning of joint projects.
Israel's strikes against Iran have caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The United States briefly joined the attacks by bombing three nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump compared these strikes to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
