Russia aids Iran with satellite and cyber support

A damaged US Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft following an Iranian strike on the airbase, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia in this picture obtained from social media released on March 29, 2026.

Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia has provided Iran with satellite imagery and cyber support to target US forces and other sites across the Middle East. The assessment highlights detailed surveillance of military bases, airports, and oil facilities, and collaboration between Russian and Iranian hacker groups.

According to the report, Russian satellites conducted at least 24 surveys of 46 key locations in 11 countries between 21 and 31 March. Military bases targeted by Iran were often hit days after being surveyed, suggesting coordinated operations. Areas under observation included Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and the Strait of Hormuz.

The imagery exchange is said to operate through a permanent communication channel between Moscow and Tehran, with possible support from Russian military intelligence based in Iran. One incident cited involved the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, which was surveyed by a Russian satellite shortly before an Iranian strike damaged a US E-3 Sentry aircraft.

The assessment also highlights cyber cooperation. Russian hacker groups, including Z-Pentest Alliance, NoName057(16), and DDoSia Project, have reportedly shared techniques with Iranian groups such as Handala Hack, Homeland Justice (UAC-0074), and Karmabelow80. Recent attacks targeted critical infrastructure in the Gulf and Israel, with some methods traced back to Russian military hackers.

Russia and Iran have strengthened military ties since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. A Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed in January last year, formalises intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration between the two nations.

Officials noted that this cooperation extends beyond traditional military support, combining satellite reconnaissance, cyber capabilities, and potentially on-the-ground guidance to enhance Iran’s operational reach in the region.