Major Generals Mohammad Bagheri, left, and Abdolrahim Mousavi at an underground base in Iran used to store drones. AFP
Major Generals Mohammad Bagheri, left, and Abdolrahim Mousavi at an underground base in Iran used to store drones. AFP
Major Generals Mohammad Bagheri, left, and Abdolrahim Mousavi at an underground base in Iran used to store drones. AFP
Major Generals Mohammad Bagheri, left, and Abdolrahim Mousavi at an underground base in Iran used to store drones. AFP

Iranian general praises 'important' drone co-operation with Russia


Robert Tollast
  • English
  • Arabic

Iran says that western anger over its supply of drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict is proof of their effectiveness.

Major General Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s military, says that statements condemning the supply were “mostly false” but showed “the effectiveness, importance and high rank" of Iran’s work on drones.

"The country's armed forces will continue to grow and develop their drones ... we will co-operate with other countries on drones," said Gen Bagheri, according to Iranian news agency Tasnim.

"Our drone systems are at a high ranking in the world in terms of accuracy, durability and continuity of operation and mission execution, and they perform various missions," he added.

Iran has admitted supplying what analysts call one-way attack drones — small unmanned aircraft fitted with explosives that fly directly into targets — claiming the weapons were supplied to Russia prior to the war.

  • A drone is launched during a military drill in Iran. AP
    A drone is launched during a military drill in Iran. AP
  • Taking off from a warship. AP
    Taking off from a warship. AP
  • An explosion after a strike by a military drone during drills at an undisclosed location in Iran. AFP
    An explosion after a strike by a military drone during drills at an undisclosed location in Iran. AFP
  • Iran is carrying out large-scale drone drills across the country, to show off the country's military strength, reports say. AFP
    Iran is carrying out large-scale drone drills across the country, to show off the country's military strength, reports say. AFP
  • Troops on a submarine take part in the exercise. AFP
    Troops on a submarine take part in the exercise. AFP
  • At least 150 drones are to be used in the drills, Iranian state media reports. Reuters
    At least 150 drones are to be used in the drills, Iranian state media reports. Reuters
  • It is the first time that a joint drone exercise has been conducted at the level of the four forces of the Islamic Republic's army, authorities say. AFP
    It is the first time that a joint drone exercise has been conducted at the level of the four forces of the Islamic Republic's army, authorities say. AFP
  • Iran's Army Commander-in-Chief Maj Gen Abdolrahim Mousavi looks on during the military exercises. Reuters
    Iran's Army Commander-in-Chief Maj Gen Abdolrahim Mousavi looks on during the military exercises. Reuters
  • Iran started developing drones in the 1980s during its eight-year war with Iraq. AP
    Iran started developing drones in the 1980s during its eight-year war with Iraq. AP
  • Its army unveiled its first division of ships and submarines capable of carrying armed drones in July. AFP
    Its army unveiled its first division of ships and submarines capable of carrying armed drones in July. AFP

Iran has also supplied a larger drone, which can be fitted with missiles, the Mohajer, which has also been supplied to allied militias in Iraq.

Ukraine says it has shot down scores of drones since August, when the US said Iran had sent hundreds of the aircraft to Russia. The most popular aircraft sent is believed to be the Shahed-136 model, which has been used widely by Iran and its allies, including Houthi militias in Yemen, to attack energy infrastructure and shipping in the Middle East.

The drones have been used in a similar way in Ukraine, attacking large energy infrastructure targets such as power stations, knocking at least 10 gigawatts of power out of Ukraine’s 50-gigawatt capacity. Millions have been left without power or heating as night temperatures plummet far below zero.

Russia is said to be running low on accurate missiles and drones — dubbed precision-guided munitions by analysts. Both sides are said to be low on artillery ammunition, leading to fears that the conflict will enter a prolonged stalemate.

The high intensity of the conflict in Ukraine, which often results in Russia launching scores of missiles and explosive drones in a single wave of attacks, has depleted Russia’s arsenal.

Western sanctions targeting component suppliers, including companies supplying microchips for sensors and navigation equipment for drones and missiles, has slowed Russia’s capacity to manufacture enough of the weapons.

The supply of Iranian drones to Russia has sparked fury in Europe and the US, with some diplomats going as far as saying it has stopped any possibility of renewing a 2015 nuclear deal to ease sanctions in exchange for Iran accepting UN inspections of nuclear sites.

In September, the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrel said: “We simply don't see a deal coming together anytime soon, while Iran continues to kill its own citizens and is selling UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] to Russia.”

The US and EU have hit Iran with new sanctions over the drone supply, which threatens to undermine a $60 billion western effort to equip Ukraine with weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

Germany has supplied air defence weaponry to counter the drones, including the Gepard anti-aircraft gun system and the IRIS-T missile system. Last month, the US also sent a Norwegian missile system, which fires rockets normally designed for air-to-air combat.

Earlier this week, the US said it would supply Ukraine with the Patriot air defence missile system, one of the most advanced of its kind in the world, which is primarily designed to intercept missiles but can also be used against drones.

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Game is on BeIN Sports

Short-term let permits explained

Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.

Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.

There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.

Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.

Switching%20sides
%3Cp%3EMahika%20Gaur%20is%20the%20latest%20Dubai-raised%20athlete%20to%20attain%20top%20honours%20with%20another%20country.%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVelimir%20Stjepanovic%20(Serbia%2C%20swimming)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBorn%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20raised%20in%20Dubai%2C%20he%20finished%20sixth%20in%20the%20final%20of%20the%202012%20Olympic%20Games%20in%20London%20in%20the%20200m%20butterfly%20final.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EJonny%20Macdonald%20(Scotland%2C%20rugby%20union)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EBrought%20up%20in%20Abu%20Dhabi%20and%20represented%20the%20region%20in%20international%20rugby.%20When%20the%20Arabian%20Gulf%20team%20was%20broken%20up%20into%20its%20constituent%20nations%2C%20he%20opted%20to%20play%20for%20Scotland%20instead%2C%20and%20went%20to%20the%20Hong%20Kong%20Sevens.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESophie%20Shams%20(England%2C%20rugby%20union)%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EThe%20daughter%20of%20an%20English%20mother%20and%20Emirati%20father%2C%20Shams%20excelled%20at%20rugby%20in%20Dubai%2C%20then%20after%20attending%20university%20in%20the%20UK%20played%20for%20England%20at%20sevens.%20%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

Thor: Ragnarok

Dir: Taika Waititi

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Mark Ruffalo, Tessa Thompson

Four stars

LIVING IN...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Updated: December 25, 2022, 5:07 PM