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Russia deploys drones with latest Iranian glide bombs

A downed drone discovered in Russia's Kursk region was equipped with Iran's latest guided aerial bomb, revealing deepening military ties between Moscow and Tehran.

Julian Röpke, military analyst for the German newspaper Bild, reported that the wreckage of an Iranian Mohajer-6 A drone was discovered after an apparent crash on Sunday.

Analysis of video footage from the site revealed that the drone was armed with a Qaem-5 guided bomb, a recent development in Iranian weapons technology. This is the first documented use of this weapon during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Mohajer-6, mainly used by Russian forces for aerial surveillance, was reportedly en route to the Sumy region for an attack before its unexpected crash, the cause of which remains unclear.

The Qaem-5 is part of a broader series of air-to-ground munitions designed specifically to be compatible with Iranian drones like the Mohajer-6 and Hamaseh. These bombs come in a variety of forms, including laser- and infrared-guided variants, with the Qaem-5 and Qaem-9 using TV guidance systems that can also feature low-light capabilities.

The Iranian company Qods Aviation Industries manufactures the Mohajer-6, which has been mass-produced since 2018 and is notable for its export success. The drone has a wingspan of 10 meters and is powered by either a Rotax engine or an indigenous variant, providing capabilities suitable for reconnaissance and combat roles.

The event highlights deepening military ties between Tehran and Moscow, as evidenced by the transfer of weapons systems, including kamikaze drones and now, potentially, ballistic missiles.

International concern has increased Iran's role in supporting Russia military operations in Ukraine. Since mid-2022, Iran has supplied Russia with more than a thousand Shahed drones, which have been widely used to target civilian areas and infrastructure throughout Ukraine.

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