Russia Secretly Aiding Iran in Development of Supersonic Cruise Missile Technology
The covert program enlisted Russian missile specialists to help Tehran build ramjet propulsion for missiles that could threaten U.S. warships, the FT reported.
- On Tuesday, a Financial Times investigation revealed a "multiyear covert programme, codenamed C430L," in which Russia is helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles with advanced ramjet propulsion technology.
- Iran has pursued ramjet technology since at least 2019, when Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei inspected development sites; analysts describe the current cooperation as part of a broader exchange involving Iranian drones for Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Russian specialists from the NPO Mashinostroyenia design bureau enlisted in the program are refining designs for missiles intended to threaten United States Navy aircraft carriers and other warships throughout the Middle East.
- Despite ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, Russian support continued into 2026, requiring approval from the highest political echelons in Moscow.
- Russia is attempting to "broaden the Ukraine war and draw the US into different theatres," said Nicole Grajewski, a professor at Sciences Po in Paris, enabling Tehran to master technology it has sought for decades.
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The secret program is said to have started in 2023 and political approval was required for its implementation - The technology is intended for cruise missiles against ships and for strikes against land targets.
FT research reveals the existence of an undercover program of years aimed at helping Tehran develop a new class of weapons capable of attacking aircraft carriers and warships
Russia secretly transfers technological knowledge and engineering expertise to Iran for its own development of supersonic...
Russia is secretly helping Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles.
The main purpose of the program is to develop cruise missiles that could threaten U.S. aircraft carriers and other warships.
Russia has secretly helped Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles, as part of one of the most important known transfers of strategic military technology from Moscow to Tehran, reports Financial Times. Daily reports that Russia has been secretly helping Iran since 2023.
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