Iran flexes drones, missiles at key Russia arms expo

A correspondent in Tehran

Aug 20, 2024

One of hundreds of drones made by Iran is displayed in this image, as the country continues to be sanctioned by the US, in this undated image. — One of hundreds of drones made by Iran is displayed in this undated image, in the northern province of Semnan, as the country continues to be sanctioned by the United States. — Courtesy of the Iranian government

TEHRAN — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps displayed a wide range of drones and missiles, among other weapons, at an arms expo in Russia last week, as military cooperation between the two sanctions-hit countries continue to reach new levels.

In its allocated unit at the Army 2024 international military and technical forum in Moscow's Patriot Center Region, the IRGC showcased nine "uniquely Iranian" weapons, according to a report on Monday by the state-run conservative daily Hamshahri.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the forum, which was attended by 120 companies, at its opening on Aug. 12. Putin hailed the interest expressed by Russia's partners in an event that he said boosted cooperation on security for a multipolar world.

The Iranian delegation was headed by Brig. Gen. Ali Shadmani, deputy commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, which is the IRGC's most powerful military unit and also one of Iran's wealthiest business conglomerates.