Iran, Russia, China: the rising axis threatening Britain - The Jewish Chronicle

Imagine getting your hands on an Iranian Shahed-136 drone straight from the warzone in Ukraine and then using that very drone to expose a dangerous military alliance in the UK Parliament. That’s exactly what I did, and it really brought home the sheer scale of the threat posed by this emerging axis of terror between Iran, Russia, and China. The Shahed-136, designed in Iran using Chinese technology and launched by Russian forces, has become the go-to weapon for Putin’s campaign in Ukraine. Moscow’s use of these kamikaze drones has unleashed widespread destruction against civilians and vital infrastructure. Just this year alone, over 38,000 Shahed drones have been fired by the Russian military. But the danger of the Shahed-136 extends far beyond Ukraine’s borders. It’s now the most widespread terror weapon of mass destruction globally. Iran hasn’t just used these drones for its own ends but has actively supplied them to some of the world’s most notorious terror groups and rogue regimes. This includes Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, Shia militias in Iraq, Assad’s regime in Syria, as well as Russia and Belarus. The footprint of these drones is massive — they’ve caused injury and death in more than 80 countries, including British citizens. What’s chilling is that the Shahed drone represents more than just a military threat. It’s the embodiment of a sinister troika: Iran, Russia, and China united in their opposition to the West. This anti-Western axis is operating within the UK with barely any oversight or scrutiny. The military technology and strategic cooperation behind the Shahed-136 reveal a level of collaboration that’s deeply concerning, given the global consequences. This partnership shows a deadly convergence of interests: Iran’s drone tech, Chinese manufacturing and innovation, and Russian firepower and battlefield deployment. Together they form a powerful and destructive force that challenges global security norms. The Shahed drones are a stark reminder of how unconventional warfare tactics are evolving, and how states like Iran, Russia, and China are leveraging these new capabilities to extend their influence and destabilize regions. The UK and its allies must wake up to this growing threat. Understanding the full scale of this triad’s operations, including their ambitions and the extent of their military collaboration, is crucial. Without coordinated international pressure and robust countermeasures, the Shahed-136 and similar weapons will continue to fuel conflicts, cause needless suffering, and undermine the security of nations worldwide.