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Emrys's Journal
March 8, 2026
Proudly displayed on newsstands in stores and supermarkets all over the country.
This week's UK Private Eye cover
Proudly displayed on newsstands in stores and supermarkets all over the country.
March 8, 2026
He should call for a ceasefire.
He's been all about ceasefires and how terrible it is that people are killing each other. All those souls.
Why won't he call a ceasefire?
This is a silly and pointless war. It's getting boring.
He should make a deal.
It sounds like he and whoever's the surviving leader of Iran at the moment just don't like each other at all.
There's a lot of hatred there. It's so great. There's no camaraderie. Not even a little bit.
So much hatred. So sad.
They should get around a table and make a deal.
It could be over in a day.
March 7, 2026
It has two, but one is currently undergoing maintenance, and the other is in dry dock for a more extensive overhaul
HMS Prince of Wales is stationed in Portsmouth, having been engaged in work-up training, and there are plans to move it to a state of readiness to deploy within five days, though I don't think a final decision has been made yet. HMS Queen Elizabeth, the larger of the two, is in dry dock at Rosyth in Scotland, and won't be available any time soon.
Carriers can't be deployed alone, and there are doubts the Navy can muster enough support ships to make up a carrier group at such short notice. The UK's main destroyer that could fill the escort gap, HMS Dragon, is in maintenance, which is being delayed because the staff reportedly only work 9-5 Monday-Friday, but is expected to sail to the Mediterranean next week. Another destroyer, HMS Duncan, is due to enter maintenance, but I guess that could be postponed if absolutely necessary. A few frigates are currently available, but I've no idea how many. Hunter-killer submarines would also usually serve as escorts to protect the carrier, but would be little use against drones and missiles, which are the major current threats.
Another problem, as you say, with Trump's ignorant screed is that the intention (currently, at least) isn't to support Trump in his lunatic wanton aggression, but to try to defend the UK's air bases in Cyprus, especially Akrotiri. The Cypriot authorities are understandably cheesed off because the UK presence has attracted Iranian drone strikes to the island which would otherwise be of little or no interest to the Iranians, and the future of the UK's presence there is as a result being called into question, which adds to the urgency for Starmer.
The riposte to Trump's yapping about delayed entry to this debacle is that if he wants countries to turn up on time, he needs to give them some bloody notice, and maybe also explain what the fuck his intentions are so they can make informed decisions.
The other obvious problem is in what world this crazy war of choice is "already won", but it's Trump, so it's pointless to hope for reality-based thinking.
If it's "won", what the hell are they still fighting for?
March 7, 2026
Trump lashes out at Fox News reporter for asking 'stupid question' about claims Russia is helping Iran target US troops
Russia has helped Iran locate U.S. ships and aircraft, according to a recent report
When correspondent Peter Doocy asked the president about the report during an unrelated White House event, Trump grew visibly annoyed.
“That’s an easy problem compared to what we’re doing here,” the president said. “Can I be honest. It’s just — I have a lot of respect for you, you’ve always been very nice to me — what a stupid question that is to be asking at this time. We’re talking about something else.”
Later Friday, MS NOW anchor Chris Hayes defended Doocy’s question, using a mocking tone to highlight Trump’s apparent irritation about being asked about the war during a White House event on college sports.
“You’re asking me about war?” Hayes said. “About our American service members being targeted by an adversary at a time like this when I am trying to solve the transfer portal?”
President Trump on Friday brushed off what he said was a ‘stupid’ question about whether Russia is helping Iran target the U.S. in the ongoing war AFP via Getty Images)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-peter-doocy-iran-russia-troops-fox-news-b2933797.html
When correspondent Peter Doocy asked the president about the report during an unrelated White House event, Trump grew visibly annoyed.
“That’s an easy problem compared to what we’re doing here,” the president said. “Can I be honest. It’s just — I have a lot of respect for you, you’ve always been very nice to me — what a stupid question that is to be asking at this time. We’re talking about something else.”
Later Friday, MS NOW anchor Chris Hayes defended Doocy’s question, using a mocking tone to highlight Trump’s apparent irritation about being asked about the war during a White House event on college sports.
“You’re asking me about war?” Hayes said. “About our American service members being targeted by an adversary at a time like this when I am trying to solve the transfer portal?”
President Trump on Friday brushed off what he said was a ‘stupid’ question about whether Russia is helping Iran target the U.S. in the ongoing war AFP via Getty Images)
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-peter-doocy-iran-russia-troops-fox-news-b2933797.html
March 7, 2026
Russia has grown less and less reliant on Iran for Shahed/Geran parts. Components are sourced (often smuggled) from a number of countries, including some in the West, but its reliance has shifted to China:
Then, a couple of days ago:
A number of other outlets covered this at the time, concluding that the markings suggested deep collusion between the Iranians and the Russians, but its fuller significance was explored by Defense Express:
On LinkedIn, American aerospace engineer and author Robert Zubrin took the words out of my mouth:
[This OP is adapted from a reply originally posted to an OP in GD at
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21077996, now also X-Posted in Editorials & Other Articles - https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016424670]
Evidence of Russian-sourced Shaheds (Gerans) being used by Iran in the current conflict
Back in 2025, in the aftermath of Trump's first major assault on Iran, the Jerusalem Post reported how Russia was now building Gerans (its designation of the original Iranian Shaheds) itself in large quantities, mainly in the Albatross company's massive facility at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia.
Perhaps presciently, the Jerusalem Post article stated:
Russia can export an improved, battle-tested version of Shahed-136 drones back to Iran
The [Alabuga] factory is also expanding rapidly with more dormitories and production facilities. CNN reported that this could mean that Russia would be able to export an improved, battle-tested version of the Shahed-136 drone back to Tehran.
...
Former UN weapons inspector and chief of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), David Albright, said that the expansion would allow Moscow to better support Iran in any future conflicts, which he said was “very dangerous.”
“Some of [Iran’s] drone production facilities were bombed, and they fired a lot of [drones], so as a way to build back stock, they may do that,” Albright told CNN. “And then Iran could reverse engineer or receive the technology to make a better quality Shahed.”
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-863703
The [Alabuga] factory is also expanding rapidly with more dormitories and production facilities. CNN reported that this could mean that Russia would be able to export an improved, battle-tested version of the Shahed-136 drone back to Tehran.
...
Former UN weapons inspector and chief of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), David Albright, said that the expansion would allow Moscow to better support Iran in any future conflicts, which he said was “very dangerous.”
“Some of [Iran’s] drone production facilities were bombed, and they fired a lot of [drones], so as a way to build back stock, they may do that,” Albright told CNN. “And then Iran could reverse engineer or receive the technology to make a better quality Shahed.”
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-863703
Russia has grown less and less reliant on Iran for Shahed/Geran parts. Components are sourced (often smuggled) from a number of countries, including some in the West, but its reliance has shifted to China:
Russian-built Shaheds abandon Iranian parts for Chinese tech - video
95% of the components in Russian-produced Shahed-type drones are now of Chinese, rather than Iranian, origin, Russian-Ukrainian war veteran and former Aidar battalion company commander Yevhen Dykyi said in an interview with Radio NV on March 3.
"I will remind you that Iran supplied Russia with a truly unique, but very powerful, what is called a 'game changer,' that is, a weapon that affects the entire course of the war," he explained.
"These are, in fact, the Shaheds. And, unfortunately, over the years that have passed, the Shahed has actually become the Geran."
He recalled that initially, Iran supplied Russia with ready-made Shahed drones, then built a production line in Alabuga, which initially only handled final assembly, and after that, the Russians began "Iran-substitution," replacing scarce Iranian components with more mass-produced Chinese ones.
"Today, almost 95% of the components in a Shahed (Flash [Serhii Beskrestnov, advisor to the Minister of Defense — Ed.] knows more precisely, of course), but almost 95% of the components in Shaheds have long been of Chinese production, not Iranian," Dykyi detailed.
"The Russians have also even changed the design, improved it."
https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/shahed-ta-geran-3-95-of-shahed-parts-now-chinese-50588748.html
95% of the components in Russian-produced Shahed-type drones are now of Chinese, rather than Iranian, origin, Russian-Ukrainian war veteran and former Aidar battalion company commander Yevhen Dykyi said in an interview with Radio NV on March 3.
"I will remind you that Iran supplied Russia with a truly unique, but very powerful, what is called a 'game changer,' that is, a weapon that affects the entire course of the war," he explained.
"These are, in fact, the Shaheds. And, unfortunately, over the years that have passed, the Shahed has actually become the Geran."
He recalled that initially, Iran supplied Russia with ready-made Shahed drones, then built a production line in Alabuga, which initially only handled final assembly, and after that, the Russians began "Iran-substitution," replacing scarce Iranian components with more mass-produced Chinese ones.
"Today, almost 95% of the components in a Shahed (Flash [Serhii Beskrestnov, advisor to the Minister of Defense — Ed.] knows more precisely, of course), but almost 95% of the components in Shaheds have long been of Chinese production, not Iranian," Dykyi detailed.
"The Russians have also even changed the design, improved it."
https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/shahed-ta-geran-3-95-of-shahed-parts-now-chinese-50588748.html
Then, a couple of days ago:
Russian-Made Geran-2 Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Dubai in Massive Iranian Strike
The debris fell near homes and hotels as authorities urged tourists to stay indoors. Kyiv Post has not independently verified the reports.
Fragments of a Russian-marked drone have reportedly been found in Dubai after local air defenses intercepted a major Iranian attack on the city,
The drone, identified as a Geran-2, was discovered near the strategic Jebel Ali port, according to a Telegram channel for Russians in the UAE. Kyiv Post has not been able to independently verify these reports.
Preliminary accounts indicate it was shot down by UAE air defenses during the ongoing regional escalation.
...
“The Geran-2 ended up in Dubai… wow. There was a chance to get hit by your own drone? Quite a joke,” wrote a Russian expatriate sharing footage in the Telegram channel Russians in the UAE.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71190
The debris fell near homes and hotels as authorities urged tourists to stay indoors. Kyiv Post has not independently verified the reports.
Fragments of a Russian-marked drone have reportedly been found in Dubai after local air defenses intercepted a major Iranian attack on the city,
The drone, identified as a Geran-2, was discovered near the strategic Jebel Ali port, according to a Telegram channel for Russians in the UAE. Kyiv Post has not been able to independently verify these reports.
Preliminary accounts indicate it was shot down by UAE air defenses during the ongoing regional escalation.
...
“The Geran-2 ended up in Dubai… wow. There was a chance to get hit by your own drone? Quite a joke,” wrote a Russian expatriate sharing footage in the Telegram channel Russians in the UAE.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71190
A number of other outlets covered this at the time, concluding that the markings suggested deep collusion between the Iranians and the Russians, but its fuller significance was explored by Defense Express:
What Serial Number of Russian Geran-2 Drone Used by Iran Against UAE Actually Reveals
...
Based on the available footage, Defense Express can analyze the partially visible serial number on the Geran-2: KB 1070… The letters KB indicate that the drone was assembled at the Kupol plant in Izhevsk rather than at the Alabuga production facilities in Tatarstan, whose products carry the markings Ы and Ъ.
Drones from this production batch are equipped with the jam-resistant Kometa-M communications system. They are also characterized by the near-total absence of Iranian components, most of which have been replaced by Chinese parts. In addition, they differ in manufacturing and assembly technologies.
Regarding the numerical sequence, serial numbers at the Izhevsk plant are aligned along the edge. In this case, the winglet appears damaged, which explains why the full number is not visible. As of early March 2026, serial numbers of Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk have exceeded 30,000. A number in the 10,70X range corresponds to production levels of spring–summer 2024.
...
...
It is possible that this drone was transferred as a demonstration model. However, in that case it would be unlikely to have been used operationally. Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk differ in onboard electronics and even feature different flight mission programming ports compared to their Iranian counterparts.
Another plausible scenario is that russia supplied its own Geran-2 drones equipped with Kometa-M antennas containing a limited number of CRPA elements. These variants have already proven less effective against Ukraine. They may have been stored in russia and later transferred to Iran, possibly to replenish strategic stockpiles after Israeli strikes in 2025 or ahead of anticipated U.S. attacks as part of Operation Epic Fury.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/what_the_serial_number_of_russian_geran_2_drone_used_by_iran_against_the_uae_actually_reveals-17718.html
...
Based on the available footage, Defense Express can analyze the partially visible serial number on the Geran-2: KB 1070… The letters KB indicate that the drone was assembled at the Kupol plant in Izhevsk rather than at the Alabuga production facilities in Tatarstan, whose products carry the markings Ы and Ъ.
Drones from this production batch are equipped with the jam-resistant Kometa-M communications system. They are also characterized by the near-total absence of Iranian components, most of which have been replaced by Chinese parts. In addition, they differ in manufacturing and assembly technologies.
Regarding the numerical sequence, serial numbers at the Izhevsk plant are aligned along the edge. In this case, the winglet appears damaged, which explains why the full number is not visible. As of early March 2026, serial numbers of Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk have exceeded 30,000. A number in the 10,70X range corresponds to production levels of spring–summer 2024.
...
...
It is possible that this drone was transferred as a demonstration model. However, in that case it would be unlikely to have been used operationally. Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk differ in onboard electronics and even feature different flight mission programming ports compared to their Iranian counterparts.
Another plausible scenario is that russia supplied its own Geran-2 drones equipped with Kometa-M antennas containing a limited number of CRPA elements. These variants have already proven less effective against Ukraine. They may have been stored in russia and later transferred to Iran, possibly to replenish strategic stockpiles after Israeli strikes in 2025 or ahead of anticipated U.S. attacks as part of Operation Epic Fury.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/what_the_serial_number_of_russian_geran_2_drone_used_by_iran_against_the_uae_actually_reveals-17718.html
On LinkedIn, American aerospace engineer and author Robert Zubrin took the words out of my mouth:
Robert Zubrin
2d
Russian Geran drones made at the Yelabuga factory in Tatarstan are striking American forces and our allies in the Iran war. To protect our troops, the US should give Ukraine to means to destroy it. @yarotrof @ClaireBerlinski @McFaul @CliffordDMay
https://lnkd.in/gP6a5Ens
Russian-Made Geran-2 Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Dubai in Massive Iranian Strike
2d
Russian Geran drones made at the Yelabuga factory in Tatarstan are striking American forces and our allies in the Iran war. To protect our troops, the US should give Ukraine to means to destroy it. @yarotrof @ClaireBerlinski @McFaul @CliffordDMay
https://lnkd.in/gP6a5Ens
Russian-Made Geran-2 Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Dubai in Massive Iranian Strike
[This OP is adapted from a reply originally posted to an OP in GD at
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21077996, now also X-Posted in Editorials & Other Articles - https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016424670]
March 7, 2026
Russia has grown less and less reliant on Iran for Shahed/Geran parts. Components are sourced (often smuggled) from a number of countries, including some in the West, but its reliance has shifted to China:
Then, a couple of days ago:
A number of other outlets covered this at the time, concluding that the markings suggested deep collusion between the Iranians and the Russians, but its fuller significance was explored by Defense Express:
On LinkedIn, American aerospace engineer and author Robert Zubrin took the words out of my mouth:
[This OP is adapted from a reply originally posted to an OP in GD at
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21077996 now also posted as a GD OP - https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221078034]
Evidence of Russian-sourced Shaheds (Gerans) being used by Iran in the current conflict
Back in 2025, in the aftermath of Trump's first major assault on Iran, the Jerusalem Post reported how Russia was now building Gerans (its designation of the original Iranian Shaheds) itself in large quantities, mainly in the Albatross company's massive facility at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Tatarstan, Russia.
Perhaps presciently, the Jerusalem Post article stated:
Russia can export an improved, battle-tested version of Shahed-136 drones back to Iran
The [Alabuga] factory is also expanding rapidly with more dormitories and production facilities. CNN reported that this could mean that Russia would be able to export an improved, battle-tested version of the Shahed-136 drone back to Tehran.
...
Former UN weapons inspector and chief of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), David Albright, said that the expansion would allow Moscow to better support Iran in any future conflicts, which he said was “very dangerous.”
“Some of [Iran’s] drone production facilities were bombed, and they fired a lot of [drones], so as a way to build back stock, they may do that,” Albright told CNN. “And then Iran could reverse engineer or receive the technology to make a better quality Shahed.”
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-863703
The [Alabuga] factory is also expanding rapidly with more dormitories and production facilities. CNN reported that this could mean that Russia would be able to export an improved, battle-tested version of the Shahed-136 drone back to Tehran.
...
Former UN weapons inspector and chief of the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), David Albright, said that the expansion would allow Moscow to better support Iran in any future conflicts, which he said was “very dangerous.”
“Some of [Iran’s] drone production facilities were bombed, and they fired a lot of [drones], so as a way to build back stock, they may do that,” Albright told CNN. “And then Iran could reverse engineer or receive the technology to make a better quality Shahed.”
https://www.jpost.com/international/article-863703
Russia has grown less and less reliant on Iran for Shahed/Geran parts. Components are sourced (often smuggled) from a number of countries, including some in the West, but its reliance has shifted to China:
Russian-built Shaheds abandon Iranian parts for Chinese tech - video
95% of the components in Russian-produced Shahed-type drones are now of Chinese, rather than Iranian, origin, Russian-Ukrainian war veteran and former Aidar battalion company commander Yevhen Dykyi said in an interview with Radio NV on March 3.
"I will remind you that Iran supplied Russia with a truly unique, but very powerful, what is called a 'game changer,' that is, a weapon that affects the entire course of the war," he explained.
"These are, in fact, the Shaheds. And, unfortunately, over the years that have passed, the Shahed has actually become the Geran."
He recalled that initially, Iran supplied Russia with ready-made Shahed drones, then built a production line in Alabuga, which initially only handled final assembly, and after that, the Russians began "Iran-substitution," replacing scarce Iranian components with more mass-produced Chinese ones.
"Today, almost 95% of the components in a Shahed (Flash [Serhii Beskrestnov, advisor to the Minister of Defense — Ed.] knows more precisely, of course), but almost 95% of the components in Shaheds have long been of Chinese production, not Iranian," Dykyi detailed.
"The Russians have also even changed the design, improved it."
https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/shahed-ta-geran-3-95-of-shahed-parts-now-chinese-50588748.html
95% of the components in Russian-produced Shahed-type drones are now of Chinese, rather than Iranian, origin, Russian-Ukrainian war veteran and former Aidar battalion company commander Yevhen Dykyi said in an interview with Radio NV on March 3.
"I will remind you that Iran supplied Russia with a truly unique, but very powerful, what is called a 'game changer,' that is, a weapon that affects the entire course of the war," he explained.
"These are, in fact, the Shaheds. And, unfortunately, over the years that have passed, the Shahed has actually become the Geran."
He recalled that initially, Iran supplied Russia with ready-made Shahed drones, then built a production line in Alabuga, which initially only handled final assembly, and after that, the Russians began "Iran-substitution," replacing scarce Iranian components with more mass-produced Chinese ones.
"Today, almost 95% of the components in a Shahed (Flash [Serhii Beskrestnov, advisor to the Minister of Defense — Ed.] knows more precisely, of course), but almost 95% of the components in Shaheds have long been of Chinese production, not Iranian," Dykyi detailed.
"The Russians have also even changed the design, improved it."
https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/shahed-ta-geran-3-95-of-shahed-parts-now-chinese-50588748.html
Then, a couple of days ago:
Russian-Made Geran-2 Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Dubai in Massive Iranian Strike
The debris fell near homes and hotels as authorities urged tourists to stay indoors. Kyiv Post has not independently verified the reports.
Fragments of a Russian-marked drone have reportedly been found in Dubai after local air defenses intercepted a major Iranian attack on the city,
The drone, identified as a Geran-2, was discovered near the strategic Jebel Ali port, according to a Telegram channel for Russians in the UAE. Kyiv Post has not been able to independently verify these reports.
Preliminary accounts indicate it was shot down by UAE air defenses during the ongoing regional escalation.
...
“The Geran-2 ended up in Dubai… wow. There was a chance to get hit by your own drone? Quite a joke,” wrote a Russian expatriate sharing footage in the Telegram channel Russians in the UAE.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71190
The debris fell near homes and hotels as authorities urged tourists to stay indoors. Kyiv Post has not independently verified the reports.
Fragments of a Russian-marked drone have reportedly been found in Dubai after local air defenses intercepted a major Iranian attack on the city,
The drone, identified as a Geran-2, was discovered near the strategic Jebel Ali port, according to a Telegram channel for Russians in the UAE. Kyiv Post has not been able to independently verify these reports.
Preliminary accounts indicate it was shot down by UAE air defenses during the ongoing regional escalation.
...
“The Geran-2 ended up in Dubai… wow. There was a chance to get hit by your own drone? Quite a joke,” wrote a Russian expatriate sharing footage in the Telegram channel Russians in the UAE.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71190
A number of other outlets covered this at the time, concluding that the markings suggested deep collusion between the Iranians and the Russians, but its fuller significance was explored by Defense Express:
What Serial Number of Russian Geran-2 Drone Used by Iran Against UAE Actually Reveals
...
Based on the available footage, Defense Express can analyze the partially visible serial number on the Geran-2: KB 1070… The letters KB indicate that the drone was assembled at the Kupol plant in Izhevsk rather than at the Alabuga production facilities in Tatarstan, whose products carry the markings Ы and Ъ.
Drones from this production batch are equipped with the jam-resistant Kometa-M communications system. They are also characterized by the near-total absence of Iranian components, most of which have been replaced by Chinese parts. In addition, they differ in manufacturing and assembly technologies.
Regarding the numerical sequence, serial numbers at the Izhevsk plant are aligned along the edge. In this case, the winglet appears damaged, which explains why the full number is not visible. As of early March 2026, serial numbers of Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk have exceeded 30,000. A number in the 10,70X range corresponds to production levels of spring–summer 2024.
...
...
It is possible that this drone was transferred as a demonstration model. However, in that case it would be unlikely to have been used operationally. Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk differ in onboard electronics and even feature different flight mission programming ports compared to their Iranian counterparts.
Another plausible scenario is that russia supplied its own Geran-2 drones equipped with Kometa-M antennas containing a limited number of CRPA elements. These variants have already proven less effective against Ukraine. They may have been stored in russia and later transferred to Iran, possibly to replenish strategic stockpiles after Israeli strikes in 2025 or ahead of anticipated U.S. attacks as part of Operation Epic Fury.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/what_the_serial_number_of_russian_geran_2_drone_used_by_iran_against_the_uae_actually_reveals-17718.html
...
Based on the available footage, Defense Express can analyze the partially visible serial number on the Geran-2: KB 1070… The letters KB indicate that the drone was assembled at the Kupol plant in Izhevsk rather than at the Alabuga production facilities in Tatarstan, whose products carry the markings Ы and Ъ.
Drones from this production batch are equipped with the jam-resistant Kometa-M communications system. They are also characterized by the near-total absence of Iranian components, most of which have been replaced by Chinese parts. In addition, they differ in manufacturing and assembly technologies.
Regarding the numerical sequence, serial numbers at the Izhevsk plant are aligned along the edge. In this case, the winglet appears damaged, which explains why the full number is not visible. As of early March 2026, serial numbers of Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk have exceeded 30,000. A number in the 10,70X range corresponds to production levels of spring–summer 2024.
...
...
It is possible that this drone was transferred as a demonstration model. However, in that case it would be unlikely to have been used operationally. Geran-2 drones produced in Izhevsk differ in onboard electronics and even feature different flight mission programming ports compared to their Iranian counterparts.
Another plausible scenario is that russia supplied its own Geran-2 drones equipped with Kometa-M antennas containing a limited number of CRPA elements. These variants have already proven less effective against Ukraine. They may have been stored in russia and later transferred to Iran, possibly to replenish strategic stockpiles after Israeli strikes in 2025 or ahead of anticipated U.S. attacks as part of Operation Epic Fury.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/what_the_serial_number_of_russian_geran_2_drone_used_by_iran_against_the_uae_actually_reveals-17718.html
On LinkedIn, American aerospace engineer and author Robert Zubrin took the words out of my mouth:
Robert Zubrin
2d
Russian Geran drones made at the Yelabuga factory in Tatarstan are striking American forces and our allies in the Iran war. To protect our troops, the US should give Ukraine to means to destroy it. @yarotrof @ClaireBerlinski @McFaul @CliffordDMay
https://lnkd.in/gP6a5Ens
Russian-Made Geran-2 Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Dubai in Massive Iranian Strike
2d
Russian Geran drones made at the Yelabuga factory in Tatarstan are striking American forces and our allies in the Iran war. To protect our troops, the US should give Ukraine to means to destroy it. @yarotrof @ClaireBerlinski @McFaul @CliffordDMay
https://lnkd.in/gP6a5Ens
Russian-Made Geran-2 Drone Reportedly Shot Down Over Dubai in Massive Iranian Strike
[This OP is adapted from a reply originally posted to an OP in GD at
https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=21077996 now also posted as a GD OP - https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221078034]
March 5, 2026
Trump allowed Russia and Iran to develop and improve the Shaheds/Gerans during the conflict in Ukraine
Ukraine in its turn has done great work developing and adapting its countermeasures and taking out some of the launch facilities and factories, but no thanks to the rapidly decaying dozy tinpot despot.
Now it's going to bite him (and a bunch of other people, many blameless) in the ass.
Remnants of Shaheds with Russian markings have been recovered in some of the Gulf states in the last week or so. Iran initially supplied Russia, then helped it set up its own manufacturing plants, and Russia has since been exporting drones to Iran.
Logically, Trump should either help Ukraine take out the known Russian plants by providing the necessary means, deploy some of the US's much-boasted vast array of armamaments to do the job as legitimate targets in the current conflict with Iran, or intercept any shipments that may occur from now on.
But maybe Vlad wouldn't like it. Perhaps he and Witkoff can have a chat about it the next time they have a cosy get-together to discuss European history, Russian mythology and the oodles of $ they look forward to sharing.
February 28, 2026
I'm just going to add a transcript of Hannah Spencer's acceptance speech:
I didn't grow up wanting to be a politician. I'm a plumber.
And two weeks ago, during all this, I also qualified as a plasterer.
Because even in chaos, even under pressure, I get things done.
I am no different to every single person here in this constituency. I work hard. That is what we do.
Except things have changed a lot over the last few decades. Because working hard used to get you something.
It got you a house, a nice life, holidays. It got you somewhere.
But now? Working hard? What does that get you?
Because talk to anyone here and they will tell you, the people who work hard but can't put food on the table, can't get their kids school uniforms, can't put their heating on, can't live off the pension they worked hard to save for, can't even begin to dream about ever having a holiday, ever.
Because life has changed.
Instead of working for a nice life, we're working to line the pockets of billionaires.
We are being bled dry.
And I don't think it's extreme or radical to think working hard should get you a nice life.
And I think that if you're not able to work that you should still have a nice life.
I think that absolutely everybody should get a nice life.
And clearly, I'm not the only person who thinks that.
Because I've made clear my position and my commitment to working class communities, the community that I am from.
People in their thousands told me on the doorsteps and at the ballot box, that what we are sick of is being let down and looked down on, that we are sick of our hard work making other people rich.
I lived in this constituency at one of the most difficult and challenging periods of my life.
I saw how strong the community was at holding things together.
But I saw how much harder life is when the things around you are broken, the litter, the fly-tipping, the dirty air.
And when I moved, it became even clearer. And this is why I am fighting for the community that I lived in and that I still work in.
Because I absolutely refuse to accept that we should ever have to move and leave our our communities for good schools, a thriving high street, and clean air. And I will not accept a society where having more money gets you a longer life expectancy.
And so when it came to fighting for people here, to stand in this election, well, how could I not fight? Because here, this is what we do.
We fight for each other in this very diverse constituency, where our struggles might not always be the same, but where we know how hard life can be and we stick together.
Whatever our beliefs, our backgrounds, our color, or our level of education, we stick up for each other.
And to those who voted for me, I know that earning your trust starts now.
One vote on one night is not something I will take for granted or assume will happen again.
I will earn your trust.
And to those who didn't vote for me, I will always work hard for you, and I will always be honest, and I will always be decent.
To our Muslim communities, who this week suffered an attempted attack during Ramadan, whilst I was being welcomed by women at a mosque in Longsight, someone just down the road walked into a mosque carrying an axe.
And whilst we were gathered and eating together, an act of terror could easily have taken place.
And I can't and won't accept this victory tonight without calling out the politicians and divisive figures who constantly scapegoat and blame our communities for all the problems in society.
My Muslim friends and neighbors are just like me, human.
And of course, to our White working class communities, the background that I have become so proud to be from.
We know how it feels to be looked down on, maybe because we didn't do well at school, maybe because we do dirty manual jobs, because we are shut out of places we should be in.
To people here in Gorton and Denton, who feel left behind and isolated, I see you and I will fight for you.
Because whilst our communities may sometimes be labeled in different ways, the thing everyone seems to have underestimated here, especially over the last few weeks, is how similar we all actually are. How we have common ground, how we get along, how we stand up for each other.
The cracks that were starting to show can be healed, and I believe that it is through offering people hope and a chance to do things differently and do things better.
Now to my customers, I'm sorry, but I think I might have to cancel the work that you have booked in, because I'm heading to Parliament.
And when I get there, I will make space for everyone doing jobs like mine. We will finally get a seat at the table.
And to Layla, the little girl who had the pleasure of meeting and holding this week, I promised you I would try and improve the world that you are growing up in. I told you that I am not perfect, but that I always try my best.
I always try and do the right thing.
Now something exciting is definitely happening and I invite you all to be part of it.
Come and join the Green Party so that we can spread hope and win everywhere across the country.
Our strength will grow as more and more of us come together. We have shown that we don't have to accept being turned against each other.
We can demand better without hating each other. We can do that together.
We ran a hopeful campaign backed by thousands of volunteers and activists.
We defeated the parties of billionaire donors.
We have shown that we don't have to accept being turned against each other at all, and we did this with the people who live here side by side, shoulder to shoulder, just as we have always done in this constituency and in the whole of Greater Manchester. Because this is is Manchester and we do things differently here.
Thank you so, so much to everybody.
Thank you.
And two weeks ago, during all this, I also qualified as a plasterer.
Because even in chaos, even under pressure, I get things done.
I am no different to every single person here in this constituency. I work hard. That is what we do.
Except things have changed a lot over the last few decades. Because working hard used to get you something.
It got you a house, a nice life, holidays. It got you somewhere.
But now? Working hard? What does that get you?
Because talk to anyone here and they will tell you, the people who work hard but can't put food on the table, can't get their kids school uniforms, can't put their heating on, can't live off the pension they worked hard to save for, can't even begin to dream about ever having a holiday, ever.
Because life has changed.
Instead of working for a nice life, we're working to line the pockets of billionaires.
We are being bled dry.
And I don't think it's extreme or radical to think working hard should get you a nice life.
And I think that if you're not able to work that you should still have a nice life.
I think that absolutely everybody should get a nice life.
And clearly, I'm not the only person who thinks that.
Because I've made clear my position and my commitment to working class communities, the community that I am from.
People in their thousands told me on the doorsteps and at the ballot box, that what we are sick of is being let down and looked down on, that we are sick of our hard work making other people rich.
I lived in this constituency at one of the most difficult and challenging periods of my life.
I saw how strong the community was at holding things together.
But I saw how much harder life is when the things around you are broken, the litter, the fly-tipping, the dirty air.
And when I moved, it became even clearer. And this is why I am fighting for the community that I lived in and that I still work in.
Because I absolutely refuse to accept that we should ever have to move and leave our our communities for good schools, a thriving high street, and clean air. And I will not accept a society where having more money gets you a longer life expectancy.
And so when it came to fighting for people here, to stand in this election, well, how could I not fight? Because here, this is what we do.
We fight for each other in this very diverse constituency, where our struggles might not always be the same, but where we know how hard life can be and we stick together.
Whatever our beliefs, our backgrounds, our color, or our level of education, we stick up for each other.
And to those who voted for me, I know that earning your trust starts now.
One vote on one night is not something I will take for granted or assume will happen again.
I will earn your trust.
And to those who didn't vote for me, I will always work hard for you, and I will always be honest, and I will always be decent.
To our Muslim communities, who this week suffered an attempted attack during Ramadan, whilst I was being welcomed by women at a mosque in Longsight, someone just down the road walked into a mosque carrying an axe.
And whilst we were gathered and eating together, an act of terror could easily have taken place.
And I can't and won't accept this victory tonight without calling out the politicians and divisive figures who constantly scapegoat and blame our communities for all the problems in society.
My Muslim friends and neighbors are just like me, human.
And of course, to our White working class communities, the background that I have become so proud to be from.
We know how it feels to be looked down on, maybe because we didn't do well at school, maybe because we do dirty manual jobs, because we are shut out of places we should be in.
To people here in Gorton and Denton, who feel left behind and isolated, I see you and I will fight for you.
Because whilst our communities may sometimes be labeled in different ways, the thing everyone seems to have underestimated here, especially over the last few weeks, is how similar we all actually are. How we have common ground, how we get along, how we stand up for each other.
The cracks that were starting to show can be healed, and I believe that it is through offering people hope and a chance to do things differently and do things better.
Now to my customers, I'm sorry, but I think I might have to cancel the work that you have booked in, because I'm heading to Parliament.
And when I get there, I will make space for everyone doing jobs like mine. We will finally get a seat at the table.
And to Layla, the little girl who had the pleasure of meeting and holding this week, I promised you I would try and improve the world that you are growing up in. I told you that I am not perfect, but that I always try my best.
I always try and do the right thing.
Now something exciting is definitely happening and I invite you all to be part of it.
Come and join the Green Party so that we can spread hope and win everywhere across the country.
Our strength will grow as more and more of us come together. We have shown that we don't have to accept being turned against each other.
We can demand better without hating each other. We can do that together.
We ran a hopeful campaign backed by thousands of volunteers and activists.
We defeated the parties of billionaire donors.
We have shown that we don't have to accept being turned against each other at all, and we did this with the people who live here side by side, shoulder to shoulder, just as we have always done in this constituency and in the whole of Greater Manchester. Because this is is Manchester and we do things differently here.
Thank you so, so much to everybody.
Thank you.
February 27, 2026
Here are the results (% change from previous election in parentheses):
Greens: 40.7% (+27.5)
Reform UK: 28.7% (+14.7)
Labour: 25.4% (-25.3)
Conservatives: 1.9% (-6.0)
Liberal Democrats: 1.8% (-2.1)
Green Party wins Gorton and Denton by-election with Labour pushed into third by Reform
The Green Party has won the Gorton and Denton by-election - their first ever Westminster by-election win
The Greens' Hannah Spencer becomes the new MP, with Reform's Matt Goodwin in second place and Labour's Angeliki Stogia in third
In her victory speech, Spencer says she is a plumber who never grew up wanting to be a politician
The vote was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne on health grounds - it had been considered a safe Labour seat
"It's not just that Labour have lost, they've lost badly," says polling expert Sir John Curtice
The Greens' Hannah Spencer becomes the new MP, with Reform's Matt Goodwin in second place and Labour's Angeliki Stogia in third
In her victory speech, Spencer says she is a plumber who never grew up wanting to be a politician
The vote was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne on health grounds - it had been considered a safe Labour seat
"It's not just that Labour have lost, they've lost badly," says polling expert Sir John Curtice
Here are the results (% change from previous election in parentheses):
Greens: 40.7% (+27.5)
Reform UK: 28.7% (+14.7)
Labour: 25.4% (-25.3)
Conservatives: 1.9% (-6.0)
Liberal Democrats: 1.8% (-2.1)
February 20, 2026
The article describes police efforts so far to seek further information and corroboration from sources other than the Epstein files, though later releases from them may add to the evidence.
Not least because some folks appear to have been frustrated after the initial excitement when people thought today's arrest might be about sexual offences, then when it became apparent that wasn't the case, nothing is going to be done about them, I'll add here something I wrote in reply to an earlier OP which will probably slip down the page only too quickly for many to read:
X-posted in General Discussion - https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221033662
Epstein files could be just tip of the iceberg for Andrew investigation
When Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at about 08:00 on Thursday, it had nothing to do with Virginia Giuffre, the woman who accused him of sexual abuse.
What led to him being arrested started with information that came out in the massive Epstein file release in January, around activities while he was a trade envoy for the British government. But it will not have stopped there.
It was emails in those files that seem to be between Andrew and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that led to Thames Valley Police getting involved.
One email in particular stood out. In November 2010, after Andrew had returned from a UK government-funded trip to Asia, he was sent a series of country reports relating to his trip.
Within five minutes of receiving them he seems to have forwarded them to Epstein, who had by this point already been convicted and spent time in prison for sex offences.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd032xnm804o
What led to him being arrested started with information that came out in the massive Epstein file release in January, around activities while he was a trade envoy for the British government. But it will not have stopped there.
It was emails in those files that seem to be between Andrew and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that led to Thames Valley Police getting involved.
One email in particular stood out. In November 2010, after Andrew had returned from a UK government-funded trip to Asia, he was sent a series of country reports relating to his trip.
Within five minutes of receiving them he seems to have forwarded them to Epstein, who had by this point already been convicted and spent time in prison for sex offences.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd032xnm804o
The article describes police efforts so far to seek further information and corroboration from sources other than the Epstein files, though later releases from them may add to the evidence.
Not least because some folks appear to have been frustrated after the initial excitement when people thought today's arrest might be about sexual offences, then when it became apparent that wasn't the case, nothing is going to be done about them, I'll add here something I wrote in reply to an earlier OP which will probably slip down the page only too quickly for many to read:
Andrew's now been released while investigations continue. People should note that he hasn't been charged with anything yet.
But other investigations into Andrew and Epstein's activities have been under way for some time, and may yet pan out.
From February 3:Police assess allegation Epstein sent second woman to UK for sex with Andrew
Thames Valley Police says it is assessing allegations, reported by the BBC, that a second woman was sent to the UK by Jeffrey Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The encounter allegedly occurred at the former prince's residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010. The woman, who is not British, was in her 20s at the time.
Her lawyer, Brad Edwards, has previously told BBC News: "We're talking about at least one woman who was sent by Jeffrey Epstein over to Prince Andrew."
The BBC asked Mountbatten-Windsor for comment about the allegations when it was first reported, but he is yet to respond, and has previously strongly denied any wrongdoing.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3zg9g3v4lo
At the time that report was being written, no formal allegations had been made directly to the police. The same day, the anti-royalist campaign group Republic made an official complaint, which spurred investigations:Andrew reported to police over Epstein sex trafficking allegations
ANDREW Mountbatten-Windsor has been reported to the police following allegations he was involved in trafficking a woman to the UK for sex.
It is alleged that Andrew was involved in bringing the woman to the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation in 2010.
After the latest release of the Epstein files, a second woman came forward alleging that she was sent to the UK by the convicted sex offender and financier.
The woman's lawyer, Brad Edwards from the US firm Edwards Henderson, claimed the encounter allegedly occurred at the former prince's residence, Royal Lodge, in 2010, according to The BBC.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/25821513.andrew-reported-police-epstein-sex-trafficking-allegations/
Developments have been going on behind the scenes since then, until (this is from the Sun, but this sordid stuff is its home turf, after all):ANDY SEX CLAIMS: Seven police forces assess Epstein files & 90 ‘Lolita Express’ flights to UK as Andy faces ‘sex trafficking’ probe
SEVEN forces are now assessing evidence in the Epstein files as part of a nationwide probe co-ordinated by a team of British police chiefs.
Their checks include up to 90 flights into Stansted’s private terminal by the jet owned by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s paedo pal Jeffrey Epstein.
Of those, 15 were after the US financier was jailed in 2008 for soliciting underage sex.
Essex Police are now examining flight logs and emails.
Ex-PM Gordon Brown said messages contained in the Epstein files linked Andrew, 65, to at least one victim who was flown into Stansted on the “Lolita Express” before being sneaked into Buckingham Palace.
Late on Tuesday, Essex Police said: “We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files.”
https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/38246985/andrew-sex-trafficking-probe-epstein-lolita-express/
An additional line of inquiry has also been opened:Met making 'initial inquiries' into claims about Andrew protection officers
...
It comes after an unnamed former senior Met protection officer told LBC that members of the Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) may have "wilfully turned a blind eye" during visits to a private island owned by Jeffery Epstein.
Multiple survivors have alleged they were trafficked to and abused on the island, known as Little St James, which Epstein purchased in 1998.
In a statement, the Met said it had "not identified any wrongdoing" but "initial enquiries into these specific allegations have begun so we can establish the facts".
Speaking to LBC on Tuesday, external, the former Met protection officer claimed Andrew's protection team travelled with him to the private island on at least two occasions, including travelling on Epstein's private jet on one of those occasions.
The unnamed former officer said there were "real concerns" in the late 1990s and early 2000s that the "royal protection team became too close to their principals", and staff were "terrified" of being demoted.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy57ry1vne0o
There have also been allegations that Andrew instructed his security detail to dig up dirt on Virginia Giuffre in response to her lawsuit against him.
X-posted in General Discussion - https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221033662
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