Russia ships drones, explosives to Iran to replenish stockpiles hit by US and Israeli strikes

Russia began transferring drone components, TNT, and other ammunition to Iran on August 17-18, shipping the military supplies across the Caspian Sea. The deliveries aim to rebuild Iranian weapons stockpiles that were severely degraded by recent US and Israeli airstrikes.

The shipments were documented in a European government report reviewed by NBC News, marking the first known instance of Russia acting as a military supplier to Iran on this scale. It is a striking reversal: for years, the arms trade between the two countries flowed almost exclusively in the other direction.

A relationship turned upside down

Since 2022, Iran has been one of Russia’s most important military partners, sending hundreds of Shahed-type drones and components to Moscow for use against Ukraine.

Iran’s own military infrastructure took severe damage during its recent confrontations with the US and Israel, leaving gaps in its missile arsenal and drone inventory. The Caspian Sea shipments included not just drone parts but TNT and other explosives. Earlier in 2026, Moscow also agreed to supply Iran with Mi-28 attack helicopters and Verba man-portable air defense systems.

Why the timing matters

The shipments arrived without any prior public disclosure, according to the European government document.

The Caspian Sea is essentially a private lake shared by Russia, Iran, and three Central Asian states. Shipments across it are nearly impossible for Western navies to interdict, making it an ideal corridor for transfers that both sides would prefer to keep quiet.

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