RUSSIA SOURCES DRONES FROM IRAN THAT CAN CARRY 100# IN WEAPONS

"As for Russian drone technology, Moscow deploys indigenous models, such as the Orion, Eleron-3, Orlan-10, and Lancet, but Western sanctions on crucial Russian supply chains have prevented Moscow from excelling in drone production. Instead, Russia has turned to Iran for a steady supply. The Russians now boast an extensive fleet of Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones that can carry 100 pounds (45.4 kilograms) of explosives over a range of 1,200 miles (1931 kilometers)."

Small consumer size drones used as scouts to guide in the larger drones with improvised weapons, or to guide in missiles without giving away troop positions.

Recent rumor - There is an Iranian "mother ship" where the drones are coming from.

Article dated Jan 2024

https://www.cfr.org/article/how-drone-war-ukraine-transforming-conflict