Iran appears to be modifying the attack drones it supplies to Russia so that the explosive warheads can inflict maximum damage on infrastructure in Ukraine, according to a new investigative report obtained exclusively by CNN.

The unexploded warhead of the Iranian Shahed-131 drone, found in the south of the Odesa region in October 2022, was examined last month by the British organization Conflict Armament Research together with the Ukrainian military. CAR initially provided its findings to CNN.

The group’s analysts believe the warheads, which are less than two meters long, were hastily modified with ill-fitting layers of dozens of small metal fragments that scatter over a large radius on impact. In addition to these fragments, there are 18 smaller “charges” around the circumference of the warhead, which, when melted by the explosion, can penetrate armor and create something like a “360 degree” explosive effect.

This accumulation of elements essentially maximizes the ability to destroy targets such as power plants, distribution networks, power lines, and high-powered transformers. In addition, repairs are much more difficult.

“It’s like they looked at a finished warhead and said, ‘How can we make it even more destructive?'” said Damien Splitters, one of the researchers who studied the warhead.

Drones that target weapons on the battlefield, such as tanks or artillery, can be designed differently, Splitters explained, with a frontal payload used for more concentrated targets. However, the warhead investigated by CAR has a radially shaped loading effect, which can result in a larger impact surface.

Iran said it provided the drones, but they were sent before the war began.

However, data from Ukraine indicate that as the conflict continued, more and more were provided.

Iran has provided hundreds of drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine, many of which have targeted Ukraine’s power grid and energy facilities, leaving civilians without heat, electricity and running water during the freezing winter months.

Last month, the Institute for the Study of War found that Russia’s military is increasingly reliant on drones — so much so that its supply of drones is already running out, just months after Iran began sending them.

Moscow and Tehran are building a factory for the production of drones in Russia

The Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal reported that Moscow and Tehran will build a factory in Russia that will be able to supply more than 6,000 Iranian-developed drones for the war in Ukraine.

Three officials with access to the information told the US newspaper that the two countries would quickly hand over blueprints and key components that would allow production to begin within months.

The WSJ now reports that both governments are moving forward with the plans and that an Iranian delegation visited Russia in January to tour the plant.

Analysis The Institute for the Study of War reported on November 2 that Iran wants to send more drones and new ballistic missile systems to Russia for use in Ukraine.