(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Russian military personnel are reportedly in Iran undergoing training to operate the Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile, which Tehran is allegedly planning to supply to Moscow.
According to intelligence sources cited by Reuters, Iran intends to provide these missiles to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine.
“Senior officials from Russia’s Ministry of Defense reportedly signed an agreement with Iran in December last year in Tehran to procure the Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile and another missile developed by the Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO) called Ababil,” according to the intelligence sources.
Citing various intelligence sources, the international news agency reported that Russian military personnel have made multiple visits to Iran to learn how to operate the Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile.
The satellite-guided Fath-360 missile is equipped with a 150 kg warhead and has a range of 120 km.
One of the intelligence sources informed Reuters that the next step would be for Iran to send these ballistic missiles to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine.
Although Russia possesses a variety of ballistic missiles, acquiring missiles from Iran allows Moscow to reserve its domestically-produced missiles for long-range attacks, while using the Iranian-made missiles for short-range strikes.
The United States has stated that it will respond swiftly if Iran proceeds with its plan to supply Russia with these short-range ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations has denied the report by Reuters.
In February, Iran reportedly sent around 400 high-powered surface-to-surface missiles to Russia, further demonstrating the growing defense and military ties between the two countries.
According to military experts, the surface-to-surface missiles sent by Iran to Russia are capable of accurately striking targets at distances ranging from 300 km to 700 km.
Reports indicate that Iran began shipping these surface-to-surface missiles to Russia in January following negotiations between the two sides in Tehran and Moscow late last year.
It is believed that Iran used ships in the Caspian Sea route and transport aircraft to deliver the missiles to Russia.
To support Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, both Iran and North Korea have reportedly sent various types of weaponry, including drones, artillery shells, rockets, and more.
Among these is the Iranian-made “Shahed-136” suicide drone, which Russia has effectively used to strike Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure in the Eastern European country.
Russia and Iran are also reported to be collaborating on establishing a facility to produce “Shahed” drones in the city of Yelabuga, south of Moscow. – DSA