A new statement came from the United States regarding the joint production of UAVs between Russia and Iran. White House’s John Kirby announced that Iran is helping Moscow to build a new UAV facility inside Russia. Indicating that the military cooperation between Iran and Russia has increased, Kirby noted that as of May, Russia had purchased hundreds of kamikaze drones and UAV production-related equipment from Iran.
“IRAN USES UAVS TO HIT KIEV”
Kirby claimed that the drones, which he said were sent from the Iranian port of Emirabad and sent to Makhachkala, Russia, via the Caspian Sea, were used against Ukraine by the Russian forces.
“Russia has been using Iranian drones to strike Kiev and terrorize the Ukrainian people in recent weeks,” said Kirby, adding that the Russian-Iranian military partnership has deepened.
“CAN BE OPERATED NEXT YEAR”
Expressing that they are concerned about the developments, Kirby said, “We have information that Russia has received the necessary materials from Iran to establish a UAV production facility in Russia. This facility may be fully operational by the beginning of next year.” made its assessment.
THEY SHARE SATELLITE IMAGES
Kirby also shared satellite images of the planned location of the UAV production facility, allegedly located in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, about 1100 kilometers from Moscow, and maps showing Iran’s drone transfer route to Russia.
“UNIQUE SEEN…”
Noting that Russia and Iran had a two-way exchange, Kirby reported that Moscow offered Tehran an “unprecedented” defense cooperation, including missiles, electronic equipment and air defense. Kirby pointed out that earlier this year, Iran reached an agreement on the purchase of Russian Sukhoi-35 (Su-35) warplanes.
Kirby said that Iran wants to buy “billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment” from Russia.
Describing the cooperation between Moscow and Tehran as “a full-scale defense partnership that harms Ukraine, Iran’s neighbors and the international community”, Kirby argued that the actions of Russia and Iran are a violation of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.
Kirby stated that they will work with their allies and partners on ways to hold the two countries accountable for their actions. (AA)