Russia is looking to obtain hundreds of ballistic missiles from Iran as Tehran becomes a major military backer of Moscow, UK defense officials warned on Saturday.
Iran first faced international anger earlier this year when the White House announced it knew Tehran would be “giving away” hundreds of drones to Russia as supplies from Moscow showed signs of dwindling less than six months from now. his war in the Ukraine.
But Tehran has since taken even bolder steps, sending other missile units and agreeing last month to optimize Russia’s ability to develop Iranian drones on its own soil for use in Ukraine.
A drone is launched during a military exercise at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on August 25, 2022.
(Handout via REUTERS)
Putin Says Missile Will Activate ‘Hundreds’ Warheads In STARK Message On Nuclear Deterrence
“Iran’s support for the Russian military is likely to grow in the coming months: Russia is seeking to obtain more weapons, including hundreds of ballistic missiles,” the UK Defense Ministry said in an intelligence update on Saturday. “In return, Russia will most likely offer Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support that is transforming their defense relationship.”
The assessment echoed comments made on Friday by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who said US intelligence suggested that Moscow is offering Tehran “an unprecedented level of military and technical support.” that is transforming their relationship into a full-fledged advocacy partnership.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, September 15, 2022.
(Sputnik/Alexandr Demyanchuk/Pool via REUTERS)
RUSSIA AND IRAN REACH AN AGREEMENT TO MANUFACTURE DRONES ON RUSSIAN SOIL FOR UKRAINE WAR: REPORT
UK defense officials said on Saturday that it is “highly likely” that Russia used a substantial portion of its SS-26 Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, which can carry a warhead weighing up to 1,000 pounds with a range of more than 300 miles. his invasion of Ukraine more than nine months ago.
“If Russia succeeds in bringing large numbers of Iranian ballistic missiles into service, it will likely use them to continue and expand its campaign of attacks against Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure,” the ministry warned.
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversees the launch of a ballistic missile at sea.
(REUTERS/ITAR-TASS/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Kirby noted that Russia has also been training Iranian pilots on Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and said Tehran could start receiving the plane as early as next year.
The NSC spokesman promised that the US and its allies would use whatever tools they could to “expose and disrupt these activities.”
“And we are prepared to do more,” he added.
