Russia says it plans to procure more Israeli-made spy drones in an effort to upgrade its fleet and capabilities.

The new deal with state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries, worth $100m, will include improved surveillance equipment on the pilotless planes.

The deal between the two countries will help both the countries improve their ties and contain Iran’s nuclear programme.

Russia had to depend heavily on its obsolete equipment and Tu-22 strategic bombers for battlefield intelligence, during its five-day war with Georgia in 2008, where Georgia made use of Israeli drones.