Russia is secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles

Rusia has been secretly assisting Iran in developing advanced supersonic cruise missiles, according to an investigation published by the Financial Times (FT). The report confirms that strategic military technology transfers between Moscow and Tehran extend far beyond what had previously been made public. The collaboration involves a program named C430 L, which focuses on enabling Iran to develop a propulsion system using a ramjet engine, a type of motor allowing cruise missiles to maintain flight at several times the speed of sound. The program began in 2023 and continued even after the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28. According to the FT, this cooperation includes efforts to help Tehran create systems capable of launching supersonic cruise missiles designed for anti-ship and land attack roles. These missiles combine high speed with low-altitude flight capabilities, making them harder for enemy air defense systems to detect and counter. Experts cited by the FT say the development of such technology is almost certainly aimed at creating new strategic weapons for Iran. This would allow Iran to threaten U.S. Navy vessels, given the sophistication of American and Gulf Arab allies' air defense systems. Jim Lamson, a former CIA analyst specializing in Iran and now based at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, stated that these missiles would provide Iran with a qualitatively new weapon system. Fabian Hinz, a missile expert and senior analyst at Conflict Armament Research, noted that such a program would require political approval from the highest levels of the Russian government. He emphasized the strategic value of transferring this kind of military technology, which Iran has sought for decades. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his support for Iran during a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Putin stated that Russia was providing necessary assistance during this difficult period and mentioned they were supplying the required goods. Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia's agency for international technological and military cooperation, confirmed that Russia’s main supply to Iran consists of air defense systems, particularly S-300 batteries. However, he acknowledged discussions about exporting other types of arms, including light weaponry and aircraft, though he did not mention supersonic cruise missiles or any other specific missile types. In January 2025, Russia signed a strategic partnership agreement with Iran that includes military research cooperation. A month earlier, Russia signed a similar agreement with North Korea. For years, Iran has supplied Russia with Shahed attack drones, which have become a key weapon in the Russian war in Ukraine. Iran has also helped Russia establish the production of these unmanned aerial vehicles, modified to meet the needs of the conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine and officials from Western countries have accused Russia of providing battlefield assistance to Iran during its war with the United States and Israel, including satellite imagery and drone support. These allegations highlight the growing complexity of the geopolitical landscape involving Russia, Iran, and their adversaries.