Iranian drone that hit Akrotiri carried Russian anti-jamming tech

Officials analyzing the wreckage of an Iranian Shahed drone that struck Britain’s RAF base at Akrotiri on Monday have reportedly found a Russian-made Kometa antenna, a discovery that could have major implications for the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The finding, shared by the Nexta channel along with video footage, points to advanced technology that makes drones much harder to stop. The four-channel Kometa system allows drones to resist electronic interference, including GPS jamming used by Western forces, letting them navigate with high precision even under attack.

Experts say this version of the Kometa antenna is normally found on Russian precision missiles and Orlan drones, suggesting that Russia is supplying Iran not just with designs, but with actual high-tech components.

“This is a clear signal of Moscow-Tehran collaboration at a very sophisticated level,” said one regional security analyst. “It shows Iran is receiving operational technology that could make its drones significantly more effective in combat.”

The revelation underscores growing concern in Cyprus and Europe about the escalating sophistication of Iranian attacks in the region. The Shahed drone that struck Akrotiri triggered a temporary evacuation of the base and surrounding villages on Monday, highlighting the immediate threat posed to military personnel and infrastructure.

Analysts warn the discovery could have wider implications for Western defense planning, as drones equipped with advanced Kometa systems are more resistant to countermeasures, complicating air defense strategies across the eastern Mediterranean.

In Cyprus, debris of a “Shahed” drone that attacked the Akrotiri airbase contained a Russian-made 4-channel “Kometa” antenna pic.twitter.com/7LpLdmBqzm

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 3, 2026