Russian aid to Iran: what deals are being made in dangerous partnership?

• Published date: 16 April 2024
• Author: MAARIV
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Last March, a Russian arms manufacturer invited an Iranian delegation for a "shopping tour" of its arms factories. The 17 visitors were treated to lunches and cultural shows. On the last day, they toured a factory that produces coveted military products in Tehran - advanced Russian air defense systems for shooting down enemy planes

America has sanctioned the plant, NPP Start, in the city of Yekaterinburg because of its support of Russia's war against Ukraine. Among NPP's cargo can be found mobile launchers and additional components for anti-aircraft batteries - including Russia's S-400, which military analysts estimate is capable of detecting and destroying stealth fighter jets flown by Israel and the United States.

The tour in question symbolizes what intelligence sources describe as a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Tehran in the two years since Russia's full invasion of Ukraine. This alliance may prove significant in the not-too-distant future.

Iran and Russia's secret military deals

Iran opened a dangerous new chapter in its relations with Russia when it agreed in 2022 to provide thousands of drones and missiles on the battlefield to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine. The expanded ties have now helped forge drone agreements between Moscow and Tehran, including a commitment by Russia to provide its ally with advanced fighter jets and defense technology assets that can help Tehran harden its defense against any future air attack by Israel or the United States.

It is not known how many of the systems have been supplied and deployed. Still, the Russian technology could make Iran a far more formidable adversary, with an improved ability to shoot down aircraft and missiles, experts said. The arms deals, some of which have not been previously reported, are part of a broader cooperation that includes the joint production of military drones within Russia, the sharing of anti-jamming technology, and real-time battlefield assessments of weapons deployed against NATO.

The cooperation reaps significant benefits for both countries while raising Iran's status from a junior ally to a strategic partner, officials said. "It's no longer the patron-client dynamic, where Russia has the upper hand," said Hannah Notte, director of the Intelligence Studies Program at the James Martin Center. "The Iranians are benefiting from this development. There is a transfer of knowledge. It is profitable."

Intelligence sources have described Russia as "pushing"...