Russian Missile Experts Visit Iran Amid Rising Tensions with Israel
Recent travel records reveal that several senior Russian missile experts visited Iran, coinciding with heightened military tensions between Iran and Israel. Their presence indicates a strengthening of defense cooperation between Russia and Iran, which could have implications for regional security. While their specific activities in Iran are not fully disclosed, the backgrounds of these experts suggest they are well-versed in advanced military technology.
Senior Russian missile specialists have traveled to Iran over the last year as the two nations strengthen their defense ties, exemplified by a recent review of travel records. The seven specialists flew from Moscow to Tehran on two specific occasions, April 24 and September 17, 2022. Notably, six of these individuals possess state business passports, indicating their official roles within the Russian military or government.
A senior Iranian defense official disclosed that these Russian experts have visited various Iranian missile production facilities, including classified underground sites, with specific trips occurring in September 2022. Furthermore, a Western defense source confirmed that some of these specialists had visited an Iranian missile base near the Caspian Sea. However, the precise activities conducted during these visits remain unclear.
The Russian missile experts, with military ranks including colonels and lieutenant-colonels, exhibit specialized knowledge in air defense, rocketry, and artillery systems. Their visits coincided with escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, characterized by reciprocal military actions earlier in 2022. Attempts to contact the Russian specialists yielded mixed results, with five denying their visits to Iran.
Iran’s defense and foreign ministries, along with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, declined to comment on the matter, while the Russian defense ministry did not respond to inquiries. The collaboration between Iran and Russia has already been evident in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where Iranian-designed drones have been deployed by Russian forces.
In summary, the ongoing cooperation between Russia and Iran in missile development remains a significant concern amidst rising regional tensions, particularly with Israel. Such military affiliations could potentially impact broader international security and conflict dynamics, underscoring the need for vigilance regarding these developments.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
