ISW: Russia may buy "unique" Arash-2 kamikaze drones from Iran. What is it?

Russia is actively using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones to attack Ukrainian cities. There is also evidence that Russia received Mohaher-6 UAVs from Iran. Now the Arash-2 kamikaze drones may be added to this list.

Details

The ISW Institute for the Study of War reports that Russia probably contracted with Iran to supply Arash-2 drones. But so far there is no official information or proof of this: only Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels referring to unnamed Iranian sources are writing about it. The number of drones is also unknown.

In any case, let's find out what is known about the Arash-2. Iran calls it a "unique" UAV, which is an improved version of the Arash-1 and was created specifically to attack Israeli cities. There is no reliable information about the characteristics or testing of these drones, and all available information is based only on the words of Iranian representatives. They say the drones can be equipped with optical and thermal scanners, have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, and are probably able to detect radar radiation and bypass air defense systems. They can be launched from platforms, including offshore platforms. It should also be noted that Arash-1 is able to change direction several times before attacking the target.

ISW analysts believe it is unlikely that Russian troops in Ukraine will be able to use the new Iranian drones more effectively than Shahed-136. Iran itself continues to deny supplying weapons to Russia.

Source: ISW