A new study by the Israeli research center ALMA has identified the Iranian scientists behind the Shahed 136 drones used by Russia in its war on Ukraine.

A report exclusively obtained by i24NEWS identified two civilian companies in Tehran that manufacture components for the Shahed drone and are allegedly operated by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

In its report, ALMA intelligence claimed that both companies changed their names periodically, perhaps so that they would not be targeted by the sanctions imposed by the West on Iran.

These manufacturing companies included Shakad Sanat Asmari also called Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia.

The company manufactures parts for the Iranian aviation industry and its former CEO Ehsan Rahat Varnosfadrani is the company's chief scientist.

The second company in charge of the Shahed 136 drone was Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif or Daria Fanawar Burhan Sharif, the report claimed.

Ehsan Imaninejad is the CEO of the company, which specializes in communication, optical, and electronic circuits.

ALMA's research head Tal Beeri said the Shehad 136 drone poses a specific threat to the world.

Most people only became aware of drone warfare from the war in Ukraine, but they have been used before, such as in an Iranian attack last November on an Israeli billionaire's ship in the Gulf of Oman, said Beeri.

Ukraine says its air force has shot down more than 500 Iranian drones so far, figures confirmed by Western intelligence.

Iran’s supply of drones to Russia for use in its war on Ukraine has been condemned by the US and its NATO allies and met with sanctions by the US, European Union and other states.