Putin’s hidden hand is shaping Iran using Russian drone tactics across the Middle East, the UK defence secretary has warned after a wave of drone strikes linked to Tehran and its regional allies.
John Healey said intelligence from British officers indicated that Iranian drone pilots had begun copying operational methods first seen in Russia’s war in Ukraine, making attacks harder to intercept.
The warning came after drones struck a base used by western forces in Erbil in northern Iraq overnight, highlighting the growing reach of Iran using Russian drone tactics in the escalating regional conflict.
Iran has launched more than 2,000 Shahed drones since the conflict began on 28 February, according to military officials monitoring Iran using Russian drone tactics across multiple fronts.
The drones, originally supplied by Tehran to Moscow during the Ukraine war, are now a central part of Iran’s retaliation campaign following the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the latest escalation.
British military officials believe the tactics being used show clear signs of adaptation influenced by Russian battlefield experience with Iranian-designed drones during the Ukraine conflict.
Lt Gen Nick Perry, the UK’s chief of joint operations, briefed Healey on what analysts see as evidence of Iranian forces adopting more sophisticated approaches to deploying the drones.
He told the defence secretary that Iranian pilots had begun flying the drones significantly lower than before, making them harder for air-defence systems to detect and intercept.
Flying at low altitude allows the drones to evade radar coverage for longer periods, increasing their chances of reaching military bases, infrastructure and shipping targets.
Military officials say this change illustrates how Iran using Russian drone tactics is reshaping battlefield conditions across the Middle East as the conflict enters its third week.
The overnight attack in Erbil involved multiple drones targeting a base hosting western forces, including British military personnel stationed in the region.
A UK counter-drone team intercepted two of the incoming aircraft, successfully preventing them from striking their intended targets.
Officials confirmed that no British personnel were injured during the incident, though the attack reinforced concerns about escalating threats to coalition forces in Iraq.
Speaking after receiving the briefing in London, Healey said the evolving drone tactics appeared to show Moscow’s indirect involvement in the conflict.
“I think no one will be surprised to believe that Putin’s hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics and potentially, potentially some of their capabilities as well,” he said.
Healey suggested that Russia had a strategic interest in encouraging instability in the region while the war in Ukraine continues.
High global oil prices triggered by the Middle East crisis could provide Moscow with increased revenue to fund its military operations, he argued.
“The one world leader that is benefiting from sky-high oil prices at the moment is Putin,” Healey said.
He added that higher energy prices could provide Russia with additional resources for its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has grown steadily since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Iran supplied Russia with large numbers of Shahed-136 drones early in the war, which Moscow used extensively to strike Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
Western officials say Russia also began producing versions of the drones domestically using Iranian technology and manufacturing assistance.
Now intelligence sources believe that Russia may be returning the favour by providing Iran with tactical guidance based on battlefield experience.
US officials have reportedly warned that Moscow has shared intelligence with Tehran in recent weeks, though the Kremlin has denied doing so.
Analysts say the relationship between Russia and Iran has evolved into a strategic military partnership driven by shared geopolitical interests.
Both countries face heavy sanctions from western governments and have increasingly aligned their defence industries and intelligence operations.
The growing partnership has raised fears among western officials that advanced tactics or technologies developed in one conflict could quickly be transferred to another.
Iran using Russian drone tactics in the Middle East is one example of how lessons learned in Ukraine may be influencing other theatres of conflict.
The drones themselves have become one of Tehran’s most effective tools in the ongoing confrontation with the United States and Israel.
Cheap to produce and capable of travelling long distances, the Shahed drones can overwhelm air-defence systems by attacking in large numbers.
Their distinctive triangular design and loud engine noise have made them notorious in Ukraine, where they are often used in nighttime strikes.
In the Middle East conflict, however, officials say the drones are being used in slightly different ways.
Lower flight paths and more coordinated launch patterns have made them increasingly difficult to track and intercept.
British officials say these changes appear consistent with tactics developed during Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.
The evolving drone strategy is also occurring alongside escalating tensions around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Healey said European defence ministers had discussed the situation during talks with the E5 group on Wednesday.
There were growing reports suggesting Iran may be attempting to mine the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes.
Around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, making it one of the most important maritime corridors in the global economy.
Even partial disruption to traffic there can cause sharp increases in energy prices.
Recent attacks on oil tankers and cargo vessels have already pushed crude prices close to $100 per barrel.
Some shipping companies have begun rerouting vessels or delaying voyages due to security concerns.
Western officials fear that further escalation could threaten global energy supplies and disrupt international trade.
The UK defence secretary said Britain had autonomous systems in the region capable of searching for naval mines.
However, one of the Royal Navy’s mine-hunting vessels previously deployed there had returned to the UK for maintenance.
That ship, HMS Middleton, had been responsible for monitoring potential threats in the Gulf region before its redeployment.
Healey acknowledged that Britain’s naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz was currently limited.
Another Royal Navy warship, HMS Dragon, recently sailed toward Cyprus where it is expected to help protect British airbases.
The voyage is expected to take several days as the ship moves into position in the eastern Mediterranean.
Officials say the vessel’s deployment is part of broader preparations to protect British assets in the region.
There has also been discussion among western allies about whether to organise naval convoys to escort merchant vessels through the strait.
Such operations were used during previous periods of tension in the Gulf to protect shipping from attacks.
Healey did not rule out the possibility that Britain could join such a mission if it becomes necessary.
However, he said no formal plan had yet been agreed among allies.
The United States has been weighing its options as the conflict continues to unfold.
Analysts say Washington’s response will likely shape the international strategy for protecting shipping routes.
For now, military officials say the quickest way to stabilise the region would be a de-escalation of the fighting.
Ending the current cycle of retaliation could allow diplomatic efforts to reopen vital maritime routes.
But with drone strikes continuing and tensions rising, there are few signs that the conflict will ease in the immediate future.
For defence planners, the rapid spread of Iran using Russian drone tactics demonstrates how quickly modern warfare methods can transfer between different battlefields.
It also highlights the growing importance of drones in shaping global military strategy.
As the conflict moves into its third week, officials say monitoring and countering these tactics will remain a key priority for western forces.
