WSJ "Russia Actively Utilizes Iranian 'Suicide Drones'"

Signs of Deployment in Kharkiv Region
Major Impact on War Situation... Response to US Advanced Weapon Systems

Iran's new unmanned aerial vehicle Shahed

[Asia Economy Reporter Minwoo Lee] It has been reported that Russia is actively using Iranian-made "suicide drones" in its war against the Ukrainian forces.

On the 17th (local time), the U.S. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Russia has recently begun to actively utilize Iranian drones in the Kharkiv region, which was recently recaptured by Ukrainian forces.

According to WSJ, Colonel Rodion Kulagin, artillery commander of Ukraine's 92nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, recently stated that Russian forces have started to extensively use Iranian-made suicide drones. He explained, "Last week, the Iranian 'Shahed-136' began to appear at positions in Kharkiv," adding, "These drones destroyed two 152mm self-propelled howitzers, two 122mm self-propelled howitzers, and two armored personnel carriers (BTRs) within the operational area where our brigade is active."

The presence of Iranian drones has also been officially acknowledged by local authorities and the West. On the 13th, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that it had shot down Iranian drones operated by Russian forces in Kharkiv Oblast. The UK Ministry of Defense also stated in its situation report on the 14th that Russia appears to have deployed Iranian drones in Ukraine for the first time and is conducting tactical strikes near the front lines.

Colonel Kulagin interpreted that while Russian forces possess overwhelming artillery firepower in other regions, in Kharkiv, where this is not the case, they have begun to rely on drones.

Scott Krino, CEO of the strategic consulting firm Red Six Solutions, analyzed that the Shahed-136 could serve as a countermeasure to advanced weapon systems such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) provided by the U.S. to Ukraine.

He explained that the Shahed-136 usually operates in pairs, targeting radar systems and artillery respectively. Colonel Kulagin noted that the Iranian drones are relatively small, making them difficult for Ukrainian air defense systems to detect.

WSJ interpreted that Russia's use of Iranian drones not only indicates that Iranian weapons are spreading beyond the Middle East but also highlights Russia's lack of drone systems.