Russia has recently completed a transaction involving the payment of almost two billion dollars in gold bullion to Iran in exchange for acquiring Shahed-136 drones. These drones have been prominently utilized by Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

A hacker group called Prana Network, recently disclosed leaked documents online, revealing that Moscow entered into a contract valued at $1.75 billion with a subsidiary of IRGC for the purchase of 6,000 drones.

Notably, the payment for this transaction was made in gold bullion, with over two tonnes of the precious metal already dispatched to the manufacturer, Sahara Thunder. This revelation sheds light on the intricate dealings and significant financial transactions underlying the acquisition of military assets by Russia, further highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.

Russia has consistently employed Shahed-136 drones in its lethal assaults on Ukraine. It is reported that these unmanned aerial vehicles will undergo an upgrade process at a production facility located in Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan before being deployed once again.

This development underscores Russia's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of its military assets, further intensifying concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the region.

Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, revealed that in 2022, a contract worth $1.75 billion was signed for the acquisition of 6,000 Shaheds along with accompanying hardware and software. It was disclosed that Russia made the payment in literal gold, with a shipment totaling a little over two tonnes in bullion.

Prana Network infiltrated Sahara Thunder's server to retrieve details concerning the deal between Russia and Iran. During their investigation, they uncovered a link between Sahara Thunder and Shahed Aviation Industries Research Centre, which is connected to IRCG's Aerospace Force.

Based on leaked information, Gerashchenko revealed that the price per unit of the Shahed-136 drone in the deal was estimated at $193,000 for 6,000 units and approximately $290,000 for 2,000 units.

He emphasized that given the localization of production in Russia, the cost per drone to the country's defense ministry would likely be $165,500. This deal highlights the burgeoning military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

Bryan Clark, a former special assistant to the chief of US naval operations, highlighted that the relationship between Russia and Iran is intensifying. He noted Russia's payment to Iran with gold bullion for the Shahed-136 drones and Iran's involvement in their construction in Russian facilities, suggesting a co-development agreement.

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