US alleges Iran helping Russia construct new drone facility east of Moscow
WASHINGTON (AA): Iran is in the process of helping Russia build a new drone factory, the White House said as it declassified intelligence Friday.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement to the media that the plant “could be fully operational early next year,” and released satellite imagery of the alleged site in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which is about 680 miles east of Moscow.
Kirby emphasized that the support “flows both ways” with Russia offering Iran “unprecedented defense cooperation, including on missiles, electronics, and air defense” as Tehran seeks billions of dollars worth of military equipment. Iranian officials announced in April that they finalized a deal to procure Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.
In return, the White House claimed Tehran has supplied Moscow with hundreds of drones in addition to helping Moscow build the new facility.
Following the White House’s announcement, the US published a new advisory for businesses in a bid to ensure they do not aid Iran’s drone program, including by informing industry of components Iran is seeking for drone development.
“It is critical that the private sector be vigilant in meeting its legal obligations vis-a-vis Iran’s development of UAVs and associated components procurement and doing its part to prevent any activities that would further the development of Iran’s destabilizing and dangerous UAV program,” the State Department said.
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