Iran’s military is closely studying the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, drawing lessons it is now using to reshape its own armed forces. This is reported by the Financial Times.

According to the publication, journalists reviewed more than 300 articles published over the past five years in specialized Iranian military journals. Their analysis suggests that Tehran has been carefully observing both Russia’s battlefield tactics and the way Ukraine has adapted to confront a significantly stronger opponent.

Particular attention has been paid to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by Russian forces and the tactics behind their deployment, as well as to Ukraine’s expansion of drone production, including the use of 3D printing. Based on these observations, Iran is placing emphasis on accessible technologies and large-scale equipping of its military. The country is also exploring ways to strengthen its cyber warfare capabilities, integrating smaller drone systems and artificial intelligence.

The reported changes extend beyond weaponry to the structure of Iran’s military itself. Plans include a shift toward more mobile units and a revision of training methods and combat doctrine. Similar proposals have been voiced by Hossein Dadvan of the command and staff academy, while experts cited in the analysis note that large military formations are becoming increasingly ineffective due to their vulnerability and lack of flexibility.

Meanwhile, commanders Kiumars Heidari and Abdolal Pourshasaba, writing in the journal Strategic Defence Studies, have stressed the need to accelerate the training of new specialists and overhaul military exercises. They also point to the limitations of traditional planning approaches in the face of what they describe as emerging threats.

Earlier, representatives of NATO countries had also remarked that the conflict in Ukraine is reshaping modern warfare. In their assessment, mass-produced, low-cost systems-particularly drones-are playing an increasingly decisive role on the battlefield.