Iran ships powerful ballistic missiles to Russia amid global tensions

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 disclosed the shipment of Iranian weapons to Russia in an interview with the newspaper "Didban Iran." He emphasized that 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 – explained the Iranian official. Ardestani also addressed 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 several weeks. Tehran has recently been seeking S-400 air defense systems from Russia to enhance its defense 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 after, 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, reported that the shipment of weapons from Iran to Russia had already begun. The Iranian politician now confirms this.

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 17 feet and a diameter of just under 1.3 feet. The rocket weighs approximately 1,764 pounds. With the ability to strike targets up to 75 miles from the launch point, this missile is considered highly effective. It ensures high accuracy when equipped with GNSS and GLONASS satellite guidance systems and inertial navigation. 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 speeds of Mach 4, make countering the missile by defense systems significantly challenging. Additionally, the large warhead mass causes significant destruction upon hitting the target.