Main inmage: High-speed aerostat "Aerosmena" National Association of Oil and Gas Service
Iran is buying aerostats from Russia that can be used for espionage. Tehran's cooperation with Moscow has been ongoing since at least 2020.
This was reported by Meduza media.
It is noted that hackers from the Prana Network group, who oppose the Iranian regime, leaked the email services of the local company Sahara Thunder onto the network. It is considered a "bridge" connecting Russia and Iran.
The leaked data describes details of the exchange of military technology between Tehran and Moscow. Meduza analyzed the archive and found that Iran is purchasing spy aerostats from Russia similar to those shot down over the United States.
The publication found email correspondence between the Iranian company Sahara Thunder and the Russian company "Vneshtekhsnab," which is engaged in equipment exports. The emails discuss the delivery of products from the "Dubna Automation Design Bureau" to Iran. It is noted that the bureau is involved in the creation of airships, aerostats, and special purpose systems. Iran's project related to aerostats is called "Demavend".
Aerostat complex "MAKS" Joint Stock Company "Dolgoprudny Design Bureau of Automation"
Representatives of the parties began exchanging emails on November 11, 2020. The management of the Russian "Vneshtekhsnab" reported that they were already in the process of obtaining permits for the supply of dozens of equipment items, including meteorological stations for aerostats, a barometric valve, aerostat signal lights, a control panel, and more.
All these details are equipment for unmanned airships or aerostats. The design bureau itself notes that such devices can track situations in real-time in water bodies, near borders, roads, residential areas, as well as during events.
In the letters, the Russian side reported that the deliveries were postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In May 2022, the correspondence resumed. Iran again wanted to buy products from the Russian enterprise, but this time it was about equipment repairs.
All aerostats and components, as evidenced by the leaked letters, were sent by sea. This facilitated transportation, as ships could disable trackers.
Airship model DP-29 Joint Stock Company "Dolgoprudny Design Bureau of Automation"
The head of the Russian "Vneshtekhsnab" explained in a comment to the publication that he allegedly is not familiar with the Iranian "Demavend" project yet. But he did not rule out that aerostats could be used for various purposes.
