Strengthening Ties between Tehran and the PKK
Regional sources report that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) may have utilized Iranian-made loitering munitions to down Turkish armed drones, suggesting a deepening collaboration between Tehran and the outlawed group. The PKK, which has been engaged in an armed struggle against the Turkish state since 1984 for greater Kurdish rights, released footage on 27 May showing what they claim to be the downing of a Turkish armed drone identified as an Aksungur.
Independent Analysis of the Incident
Three independent defense experts, who analyzed the PKK’s footage for Middle East Eye (MEE) and requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, assessed that it is highly probable the Turkish drone was brought down by the Iranian 358 loitering surface-to-air missile, also known as a “kamikaze” drone. According to two experts, the 358 missile is relatively slow and lacks a rocket engine, making it invisible in the footage. One expert explained, “This is a jet-propelled missile. It flies very slowly and, because it’s not rocket-propelled, if it misses, it tries to turn around and hit the target again.”
Supplying and Assembling the 358 System
An Iraqi source close to the PKK informed MEE that Iran has been supplying the 358 system in parts, which the PKK then assembles. This process has reportedly been ongoing for about two years, with some assembly taking place south of Sulaymaniyah. Despite being approached by MEE, Turkish defense ministry sources declined to comment on the matter.
Technological Support and Operation
The operation of the 358 missile, especially against high-altitude Turkish drones, necessitates advanced technology, such as a radar system. Two experts suggested that besides Iran, the United States might be capable of providing such location information about Turkish drones in Iraq. A third expert noted, “The technology must be transferred from Iran. The PKK may have set up a technical team to use this technology.”
Tensions between Turkey and Iran
Turkey’s defense minister, Yasar Guler, expressed frustration with Iran’s lack of cooperation in combatting the PKK. He stated that despite Turkey’s efforts to inform Tehran about PKK movements, Iran has not acted upon this information. Iran, on the other hand, denies ignoring PKK activities, even though Turkish officials claim that PKK senior cadres have taken refuge on the Iranian side of the Qandil Mountains to evade Turkish airstrikes.
Growing Regional Alliances
Turkish security sources indicated that Iran is bolstering its ties with the PKK against Turkey and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq. One source remarked on the strengthened relationships between the PKK, Iraq’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and Iran-backed Iraqi groups. Another Turkish source highlighted that Ankara is closely observing Iran and its proxies’ movements in Iraq, suspecting them of attempting to destabilize the region in response to Turkey’s cooperation efforts with Iraq.
Regional Use of the 358 Missile
The 358 missile is a preferred weapon among Iran’s proxies throughout the Middle East. In late 2019 and early 2020, shipments of 358s were intercepted by the United States en route to Yemen. The missile has also been employed by Iranian proxies in Iraq and has been displayed by Iraqi militias. Recently, at least four US MQ-9 Reaper drones were shot down using Iranian-made surface-to-air missiles by the Houthis in Yemen. The 358 missile is also part of Hezbollah’s arsenal in Lebanon and has been used against Israeli UAVs in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Implications of Advanced Missile Proliferation
A third defense expert cautioned that the spread of advanced systems like the 358 missile could pose significant threats to air traffic, including helicopters and emergency evacuation operations, across all states in the region. The expert emphasized the potential danger this technology represents, not only to military assets but also to civilian air traffic.
This situation underscores the increasing complexity of regional conflicts, with advanced weaponry and shifting alliances continually reshaping the strategic landscape.
