Iranian General Who Empowered Russia’s Drone Programs Killed in Israeli Strike
Israel’s high-stakes airstrike on June 13 eliminated Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of Iran’s IRGC Aerospace Force and a key facilitator of the Shahed drone transfers to Russia—drones that have battered Ukrainian cities since 2022.
Hajizadeh, sanctioned by the EU and U.S. in 2022, oversaw the export of hundreds of Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions—dubbed “Geran‑2” in Russian service—used extensively in attacks on Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other urban centers. These drones became a backbone of Russia’s strategy to strike Ukrainian civilian infrastructure from a distance.
The strike, conducted during “Operation Rising Lion,” saw Israel deploy more than 200 aircraft and drones to target over 100 installations across Iran—encompassing military bases, nuclear sites, and senior commanders. Hajizadeh was confirmed among the dead, alongside IRGC commander Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, and several nuclear scientists.
In Kyiv, Ukrainian officials cautiously welcomed the strike. One anonymous adviser noted:
“Knocking out Hajizadeh disrupts the logistics and know-how behind the Geran drone campaign—this gives Ukraine essential breathing space”.
Since late 2022, Ukraine has intercepted thousands of Shahed drones financed and supplied via Iran. In response, Russia opened its own production line—most notably the Alabuga facility in Tatarstan—manufacturing hundreds monthly. But analysts warn that without Iranian expertise, courtesy of Hajizadeh’s leadership, Russia may struggle to match both volume and technical sophistication.
The timing is poignant: just 147 days ago, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” solidifying defense and intelligence cooperation. Yet when Israel struck, Russia issued only diplomatic condemnations. Not a single military asset was deployed to defend Tehran—exposing the fragility of that alliance.
Iran’s response was swift but limited: a round of approximately 100 drones launched at Israel, most of which were intercepted. Tehran has branded the strike “an act of war” and vowed future revenge. Yet internally, concern is growing over the exposed vulnerabilities of Iran’s military infrastructure and leadership.
From Kyiv’s vantage point, the strike is significant. It forms part of an unofficial line of defense for Ukraine—extending beyond its borders to disrupt the supply chains fueling Russia’s drone warfare. Ukrainian military and diplomats credit the operation with potentially delaying or degrading Russia’s next waves of drone strikes.
Analysts caution that the drone threat is far from over. Russia may accelerate its independent production, and Iran’s deeper engagement in drone and missile development remains a concern. But removing Hajizadeh robs the effort of a seasoned leader—one with direct influence over Iran’s UAV design, production, and export network.
What this means for Ukraine is time. Time to bolster defenses, adapt strategies, and plan for new technologies. What it means for Russia and Iran is more complex. The formal alliance remains—but with its centerpiece missing, the façade of cooperation is at risk.
