Iran studied Ukraine war to sharpen drones and AI before U.S. operation

One of the commanders drawing strategic lessons from the war in Ukraine was Hossein Dadvand, the head of an Iranian military academy. In one article, he said those lessons ranged from the resilience of Ukraine’s defense production to the use of 3D printers to mass-produce cheap drones.

His recommendations were published two years ago in a leading Iranian defense journal. He urged Iran to invest in UAVs, rely on more agile and mobile combat units, and modernize both training and battlefield tactics. He also proposed exploring the use of artificial intelligence in weapons systems.

In all, the FT reviewed more than 300 articles published over the past five years in 10 Iranian defense journals. Together, they offer a rare glimpse into Iran’s opaque military establishment — what is being discussed internally, how tactics are evolving and which technologies are being prioritized. The articles show that Iran tracked Russia’s actions and closely studied Ukraine’s experience, including how it adapted to fighting a far stronger adversary with UAVs and cyberwarfare tools.

Last year, Dadvand gave a rare interview in which he said Tehran had updated military textbooks and troop training methods to reflect lessons from Ukraine.

“The Russia-Ukraine war was one of the cases we studied carefully. One of the most important points in that war was the broad use of small drones and artificial intelligence. We are observing the introduction of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and nanotechnology into the military sphere,” the Iranian commander said.

The FT’s review also pointed to weaknesses in Iran’s military ahead of any conflict with Israel and the United States. Influential commanders Kiomars Heidari and Abdolali Pourshasb expressed concern about a lack of forward planning for “new threats.” In 2023, they wrote that Iran needed to quickly recruit specialists, overhaul military training and plan weapons purchases around advanced technologies such as drones, lasers and space platforms.

The articles also described ways to block the Strait of Hormuz, including by seizing ships or laying mines in coastal waters. Many focused on drone technology, tactics and communications, as well as studies assessing the effectiveness of Iran’s air defenses. They also devoted significant attention to expanding cyberwarfare capabilities, including integrating artificial intelligence into decision-making and attacks.

FT analysts noted that senior Iranian commanders, officers and intelligence officials sometimes write under pseudonyms.

Early on April 8, Donald Trump said he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran on the condition that the Strait of Hormuz be opened immediately. The truce expires on April 22. During that period, Iran attacked a French vessel and a British vessel in Hormuz, and Trump accused Tehran of violating the ceasefire agreement.

The United States later intercepted and took control of the Iranian cargo vessel TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman.