UK Defence Intelligence: Russia deploys Iranian drones to preempt ship attacks

The Defence Intelligence of the United Kingdom has assessed how Russia utilises Iranian drones, specifically the Mohajer-6, over the Black Sea and the territory of Ukraine.

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review dated 8 March, as reported by European Pravda

The intelligence states that Mohajer-6 drones were observed over the Black Sea and the city of Kremenchuk. The Mohajer-6 is a UAV used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, and can also drop guided bombs.

In intelligence analysis, it was noted that Russia's continued possession of these systems in its occupied Crimea may indicate that Russian occupying forces are attempting to identify threats to Russian ports and vessels following recent successes by Ukraine. 

Quote: "There is a realistic possibility [that] its mission also includes supporting Russian targeting processes for the southwest Ukrainian coastline," the review reads.

Ukraine destroyed at least one Mohajer-6 on 23 September 2022 over the Black Sea, and Russia likely accidentally shot down a similar drone over Crimea on 6 June 2023.

Background:

• In a previous review, it was stated that UK Defence Intelligence believes that the current goal of the Russian occupying forces is to capture the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast, but they are unlikely to be able to mount an offensive.
• UK Defence Intelligence also analysed Russia's losses in the Black Sea region over the past five weeks.

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