Iran confirms ballistic missile transfer to Russia amid sanctions

Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian government, confirmed that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles to Russia. Earlier reports indicate that these are most likely Fath-360 missiles.

According to the Military portal, Ardestani informed about the shipment of Iranian weapons to Russia in an interview with the newspaper "Didban Iran." As reported, in the Iranian politician's view, bartering with Russia is essential to "meet our needs, including the import of soybeans and wheat."

Part of the exchange involves sending missiles, and the other part involves sending military drones to Russia, said the Iranian official. Ardestani also responded to whether sending ballistic missiles to Russia would lead to further sanctions against Iran. In his view, "It cannot be worse than it is".

Let us recall that reports about the transfer of missiles from Iran to Russia have been appearing for at least a few weeks. Tehran has recently been seeking S-400 air defence systems from Russia to enhance its defence capabilities. At the same time, Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met in Tehran with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss deepening the partnership between the two countries.

Shortly afterwards, anonymous informants stated that Iran is preparing to send Fath-360 missiles to Russia while simultaneously training Russian Federation soldiers on its territory. Soon after, the American newspaper "The Wall Street Journal," citing high-ranking officials from the US and Europe who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the shipment of weapons from Iran to Russia had already begun. This is now confirmed by the Iranian politician.

In the context of the weapons that Iran is reportedly transferring to Russia, it is most likely referring to the Fath-360 missiles. This weapon has a length of about 5.2 metres and a diameter of just under 0.4 metres. The missile weighs approximately 800 kilograms. With the ability to strike targets up to 120 kilometres from the launch point, this missile is considered highly effective. The equipment with GNSS and GLONASS satellite guidance systems and inertial navigation ensures high accuracy of hits. Upon contact with the target, the missile reaches speeds of up to Mach 4, making it a hazardous tool in military operations.

Fath-360 is not just a single ballistic missile but also part of an advanced weapon system. The applied technologies, including precise satellite guidance and the ability to reach Mach 4 speeds, make countering the missile by defence systems significantly challenging. Additionally, the large warhead mass causes significant destruction upon hitting the target.