Iranian Kamikaze drones pictured during a two-day drone drill at an undisclosed location in Iran. Russia's campaign in Ukraine could be boosted by hundreds more kamikaze drones and short-range ballistic missile, experts say. Iranian Army/AFP
Iranian Kamikaze drones pictured during a two-day drone drill at an undisclosed location in Iran. Russia's campaign in Ukraine could be boosted by hundreds more kamikaze drones and short-range ballistic missile, experts say. Iranian Army/AFP
Iranian Kamikaze drones pictured during a two-day drone drill at an undisclosed location in Iran. Russia's campaign in Ukraine could be boosted by hundreds more kamikaze drones and short-range ballistic missile, experts say. Iranian Army/AFP
Iranian Kamikaze drones pictured during a two-day drone drill at an undisclosed location in Iran. Russia's campaign in Ukraine could be boosted by hundreds more kamikaze drones and short-range ballist

Iran could send ballistic missiles to Russia, Nato says


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Iran could supply Russia with ballistic missiles and drones to use in its war in Ukraine, Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said.

Ukraine and its western allies, including the US, said Tehran had already sent drones to Russia.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Iran was preparing a shipment of 1,000 missiles and drones destined for Russia.

“We see Iran offering drones and considering ballistic missile deliveries to Russia,” Mr Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Istanbul on Thursday.

“This is unacceptable. No country should provide support to Moscow in this illegal war.”

Ukraine has said about 400 Iranian drones have already been used against the civilian population of Ukraine, with Russia ordering about 2,000. Iran has rejected the allegation.

Mr Stoltenberg said Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans were failing in Ukraine, resulting in him “responding with more brutality”.

Iran displays drones at secret underground base — in pictures

“In recent weeks, we have seen dozens of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine, including on critical infrastructure,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

He accused Russia of “cruelly and deliberately depriving Ukrainian civilians of heating, water and electricity at the outset of winter”.

On Tuesday, experts told The National that Russia's campaign would receive a major lift with the delivery of hundreds more “kamikaze” drones and short-range ballistic missiles.

The consignment is being closely monitored by western intelligence services, particularly as it will be the first occasion that Iran has exported surface-to-surface missiles, potentially the Shahab or Zolfaghar weapons.

The arms are expected to arrive in Russian territory before the end of this year.

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

Updated: November 04, 2022, 4:30 AM