Chinese satellite data makes Iranian drones even more dangerous, US report makes sensational claim

New Delhi: Iran has recently increased its drone attacks in the Middle East. Meanwhile, according to US intelligence assessments, satellite data and intelligence assistance from Chinese groups have significantly enhanced Iran's ability to launch precision strikes and track ships in the Middle East.

The CNN report, citing four sources, said this outside help has increased the accuracy of strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and also led to a deadly attack on a US military base in Jordan that killed three American soldiers.

According to sources, the accuracy of the attack in Jordan was beyond Iran's domestic capabilities. Chinese geospatial data helped guide the missile and drone strikes on ships in Hormuz.

Iran uses this data to precisely time drone launches, making even its simple, non-maneuverable heat-seeking drones a threat to ships, two sources said.

Russia is also supporting Iran

Iran's heat-seeking drones are not very advanced, but with the help of Chinese satellite imagery, it launches large numbers of drones at opportune times to attack US military escorts and merchant ships.

One source said that the improvement in their targeting is due to some assistance. Battlefield experience is helpful, but outside support is even more so. Russia is also supporting Iran.

According to US officials, the true scale of China's assistance is difficult to measure. It is unclear whether Beijing is actively directing or merely allowing it.

China has denied that its companies are supplying data to Iran. The Chinese embassy said Beijing's assistance is in accordance with international law. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that the Trump administration had warned Beijing for several months.