Cyber Breach Exposes Insider Insights into the Cost of Iranian Shahed Drones
Prana Network, a hacker group, successfully breached the mail servers of IRGC Sahara Thunder, an Iranian company, gaining access to critical information regarding the production of Shahed drones intended for Russia.
Following that, this sensitive data, encompassing negotiation specifics and pricing details, became publicly disclosed via the ICNA website. Nevertheless, all drones were cryptically labeled as “Dolphin 632 motorized boats,” despite the absence of direct references to the product type in the disclosed documents.
The acquired data revealed Russia’s initial plan to manufacture 6,000 Iranian drones over 2.5 years, with Iran demanding $375,000 per UAV. However, Russia effectively negotiated lower prices:
– $193,000 for an order of 6,000 units.
– $290,000 for an order of 2,000 units.
The comprehensive production contract, encompassing technology transfer, equipment, 6,000 UAV kits, and software, amounted to a staggering $1.75 billion. Moreover, Russia disclosed that it made at least partial payments in gold.
Russian Marketing of Iranian Drones
In parallel developments, Russia commenced the production of Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones, marketing them internationally as indigenous innovations. Moreover, they marketed these modified Iranian jet-powered drones at a price of $1.4 million each.
In light of the military implications, Serhiy Beskrestnov, a radio technology expert, highlighted the Russian army’s strategic adaptation of Shahed-type kamikaze attack drones, particularly in optimizing UAV flight routes to circumvent potential threats.
Additionally, the United States imposed sanctions on companies implicated in supplying materials and sensitive technologies for Iran’s ballistic missile and drone programs, citing the utilization of Shahed UAVs by Russian forces in routine assaults on Ukrainian cities.
More on the Shahed Drones Series
The Shahed-107, part of the Shahed series, allegedly boasts a wingspan of approximately 10 feet and measures around 8 feet in length. According to a source speaking to Sky News, the drone is deployable from a vehicle and underwent trials at a central Iranian air base in the presence of Russian representatives.
Reportedly, the drone may come equipped with livestreaming capabilities, enabling real-time target identification for its operator. Despite Iran’s consistent denial of providing drones to Russia for use in the Ukrainian conflict, its foreign ministry has yet to respond to Business Insider’s request for comment.
Nevertheless, there exists a widespread agreement among Ukraine’s Western allies, military experts, and independent sources that Iran has indeed supplied various drone types to Russia during the ongoing conflict.
Among these drones is the budget-friendly Shahed-136, dubbed the “suicide” drone, which has been repeatedly launched toward Ukrainian infrastructure, posing continuous challenges to its air defense systems.
