Russia is sharing drone tactics with Iran, tested during the war against Ukraine, for targeting US forces and Gulf countries in the Middle East, CNN writes. Moscow has some of the most extensive operational experience in using such drones in combat.
CNN, citing a Western intelligence official, reports that while previously only general guidance was known, the current concern involves specific tactical advice Russia used in Ukraine.
“What was more general support is now getting more concerning, including UAS (drone) targeting strategies that Russia employed in Ukraine,” the intelligence source says.
Shaheds against US allies: waves of drones
Russia employed Iranian-made Shahed drones against Ukraine in waves, with multiple drones flying together and regularly changing course to evade air defenses.
Sources indicate that these Shaheds successfully penetrated air defense systems in Gulf countries. The Western intelligence official also expressed concern about Iran’s use of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as attacks by maritime drones and fishing boats.
Iran claimed it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln early in the war, though the US denied this.
The US revises Middle East tactics with US aid
Amid these threats, the US requested Ukraine’s assistance in defending against Shaheds, a proposal Ukraine had offered seven months ago but which was declined. Ukrainian authorities prepared a presentation showing how these technologies could protect US forces and their allies, according to Axios.
The rejection of Ukraine’s offer is considered one of the largest tactical missteps by the US administration since Iran’s bombing campaign began on 28 February. Last week, officials were forced to change course due to a higher-than-expected number of Iranian drone attacks.
