Drone Wreckage in Ukraine Suggests Russia Is Using New Iranian Technology

Moscow, June 25 –

Ukrainian forces recently discovered debris from a Russian drone that appeared more advanced than usual. The drone, which was part of Russia’s nightly strikes, included a high-tech camera, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and a remote control link that could let it be piloted from Russia. According to Ukrainian drone expert Serhii Beskrestnov, it also featured new Iranian-made anti-jamming technology—suggesting deeper collaboration between Moscow and Tehran.

Unlike the typical black Russian drones, this one was white and bore labeling consistent with Iranian standards, though not enough to be considered definitive proof. Still, experts believe it's likely Russia received this drone from Iran to test its performance in combat.

Russia has been using Iranian-designed Shahed drones throughout the war, which is now in its fourth year. These drones, often compared to the sound of mopeds, are used to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses—some carry explosives, while others serve as decoys.

Iran’s Role and Israeli Airstrikes

The UK’s Ministry of Defence recently said that Israeli strikes on Iranian military facilities could affect Iran’s ability to supply Russia with more drones. However, it's still unclear how much damage Iran’s drone manufacturing capability has suffered.

Beskrestnov noted that the recently recovered drone had a sophisticated anti-jamming system believed to have been made in Iran in the past year. While Russia is producing most of its Shahed drones locally now, many components still originate from Iran, China, and even Western countries, despite sanctions.

Inside Russia’s Drone Factory

Russia began building Shahed drones domestically after signing a $1.7 billion deal with Iran in 2022. The production happens at a secure plant in Alabuga, Tatarstan, which initially received disassembled drones to reassemble and later set up full manufacturing lines.

Over time, Russia has made several modifications:

  • Adding AI systems and cameras

  • Designing decoy drones (Operation False Target) to trick Ukrainian defenses

  • Creating thermobaric drones, which cause devastating pressure-based injuries

  • Increasing the size and power of warheads

In some cases, Russia has even tested jet-powered Shahed drones sent directly from Iran, although these seem too costly for regular use due to their advanced engines.

New Drone Capabilities

The latest drone found in Ukraine shows several key upgrades:

  • AI-driven navigation that allows it to fly even if signals are jammed

  • A radio control link, enabling operators in Russia to redirect the drone mid-flight

  • 8 antennas instead of the usual 4, making it harder to disable with electronic warfare

  • Potential to target critical infrastructure, like power transmission towers

Beskrestnov pointed out that this kind of anti-jamming tech has been seen before in Iranian missiles used by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirmed it has also found drones with up to 12 antennas, some made in China and Russia.

Changing Tactics and Rising Effectiveness

Russia is not just upgrading its drones—it’s also shifting tactics. The drones now fly at varied altitudes to avoid radar and gunfire and are often used in mass attacks that mix decoys with actual explosives to wear down defenses.

Data shows these strategies are working:

  • In November 2024, only about 6% of drones hit targets.

  • By June 2025, that number had risen to 16%, with some nights reaching nearly 50% effectiveness.

Experts believe this increase is due to both more drones being used and improvements in drone technology.

What’s Next?

Although Russia is currently seeing more success, analysts warn that it might not last. If Israeli strikes continue to disrupt Iran’s drone supply chain, Russia may face difficulties sourcing high-tech components in the future.

“Russia might not be able to rely on Iran as much going forward,” said David Albright, an expert at the Institute for Science and International Security. Still, with much of Iran’s drone tech already transferred to Russia, the short-term impact may be limited—but the long-term outlook is uncertain.


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