The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has not only shaken the Middle East but also exposed the limitations of military cooperation between Iran and Russia. For many years, Moscow has been considered an important defense partner of Tehran, but the current reality on the battlefield shows that this support has not been as effective as expected.
Long-term military cooperation
Defense relations between Russia and Iran have been built for decades, especially after the two countries confronted Western sanctions. Russia once provided Iran with many important weapon systems, including air defense complexes such as S-200, S-300 and technologies related to the Bavar-373 domestic defense system.
The two countries also expanded cooperation in the field of electronic warfare and military technology. Russia is said to have provided Iran with advanced electronic jamming systems such as Krasukha, which is designed to jam enemy radar, early warning aircraft and reconnaissance platforms.
These cooperations were once expected to help Iran strengthen its defense capabilities against modern attacks.
The reality of the battlefield reveals limitations
However, when fighting broke out at the end of February, large-scale airstrikes by the US and Israel quickly tested Iran's defense capabilities.
According to many military analyses, Russian air defense systems once exported to Iran have failed to effectively prevent attacks by aircraft and precision weapons from the West. Complexes designed to deal with modern air warfare have proven ineffective against coordinated air strike campaigns.
According to Forbes, electronic warfare systems provided by Russia have not yet yielded clear results. Although platforms like Krasukha have the ability to jam radars and navigation systems, initial reports show that the actual effectiveness on the battlefield is still quite limited.
Meanwhile, US and Israeli airstrikes have hit many important military targets of Iran, including missile facilities and military infrastructure. Some assessments suggest that these attacks have significantly reduced Tehran's combat capabilities.
Russia is unlikely to increase support
An important reason why Russia's support for Iran is limited is that Moscow is focusing resources on the conflict in Ukraine. Many modern weapon systems such as S-400s or advanced fighter jets are prioritized by Russia for domestic needs, limiting exports to Iran. Therefore, military transfers to Tehran are often selective and slow.
Moscow must also consider diplomatic factors. Providing advanced weapons systems to Iran in the context of conflict with Israel could increase tensions with the West and Middle Eastern countries.
The current war is therefore becoming a major test for the strategic relationship between Moscow and Tehran. Although the two countries have signed a long-term cooperation agreement and maintained close military relations, the reality of the battlefield shows that Russia's support for Iran still has many limits.
