Chainalysis Report Highlights Cryptocurrency Use in Drone Procurement

Chainalysis has released a report indicating that low-cost commercial drones have become central tools in modern conflicts. According to Foresight News, organizations linked to Russia and Iran are increasingly using cryptocurrency to fund the purchase of low-cost military drones and components. Since 2022, pro-Russian volunteers and paramilitary groups have raised over $8.3 million in cryptocurrency donations through various blockchains. The report highlights that sanctioned Russian drone developer KB Vostok's "Scalpel" drone is priced at approximately $2,200, with on-chain transactions showing multiple payments matching this price and its multiples. Additionally, these groups are shifting from Bitcoin to stablecoins for procurement to leverage their price stability. In Iran, the Ministry of Defense Export Center (Mindex) has openly promoted accepting cryptocurrency payments for advanced weapons, including Shahed drones and ballistic missiles. Chainalysis has detected a wallet used for purchasing drone components with direct or indirect financial links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Nobitex exchange. Data shows a significant increase in on-chain funds to related drone suppliers during a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025.