Iran has handed over hundreds of modified kamikaze drones to Russia, the explosive warheads of which are designed to cause maximum damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, writes CNN , citing the findings of the Conflict Armament Research investigation.
Specialists of the British organization studied the device of the unexploded warhead of the Iranian Shahed-131 drone, which fell near Odessa in October. The projectile, about half a meter long, turned out to be filled with small metal fragments that scatter upon impact. Around the circumference of the warhead are 18 more small charges that melt when detonated and can penetrate armor, creating a 360-degree explosive effect.
Due to these elements, the warheads increase the ability to destroy power plants, distribution networks, power lines and powerful transformers. They also make repairs more difficult.
“Looking at the warhead, it’s clear that a lot of effort has been put into making sure it can do as much damage as possible to infrastructure in a wide radius,” says researcher Damien Spleeters.
According to him, the warheads intended for tanks and artillery have a different design – with a frontal cumulative charge, and the projectiles mounted on kamikaze drones are designed for a radial cumulative effect, which implies a large area of destruction.
Iran began supplying Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6 drones to Russia in August 2022. According to the British television channel Sky News, for the first batch of 160 drones, Moscow transferred 140 million euros in cash to Tehran, which were delivered on a cargo plane. Moscow also shared with Tehran captured American and British weapons, including NLAW and Javelin anti-tank systems, as well as Stinger MANPADS.
In early January, an Iranian delegation led by Brigadier General Abdollah Mehrabi visited Yelabuga in Tatarstan, where Russia plans to locate the production of Iranian drones, the WSJ wrote , citing official sources. In Yelabuga, Russia is going to produce at least 6,000 drones for the war in Ukraine, but for what period is not specified.
Source: The Moscow Times
