Iranian Drone Exports to the Balkans and Its Geopolitical Repercussions

Serbia: Iran’s Entry Point to the Balkans

Photo: Reuters

Iranian military activity in Europe’s neighborhood is not limited to supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine

Transforming itself from a net arms importer into a burgeoning arms exporter, Tehran is engaged in opportunistic behavior across conflict zones, ranging from Ukraine to tense, fragile regions, like the Balkans. Eyeing the Balkan weapons market, Tehran has focused on the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the main military actor involved in the proliferation of Iran’s indigenous drone program; as such, Tehran’s entry to the Balkan region’s drone industry opens the door to IRGC involvement across NATO’s southeastern flank.