Iran Resumes Shahed Drone Shipments to Russia via Caspian Sea

SIGNAL

Iran Resumes Shahed Drone Shipments to Russia via Caspian Sea

Date

Classification

Confidence

2025-04-12

semi-covert

high

Iran has resumed its maritime transfer of Shahed drones to Russia, primarily via the Caspian Sea route linking Bandar Anzali to Astrakhan. Intelligence from Janes and ISW confirms that both Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 UAVs are again moving through this corridor. The deliveries come despite existing sanctions and Western pressure, highlighting the resilience of Russia’s alternative supply chains. These drones remain critical to Russian long-range strike capacity, particularly in eastern Ukraine.Sources