Iran to send ballistic missiles to Russia amid rising tensions

Iran is preparing to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles with a range of 75 miles to Russia, Reuters reports, citing anonymous European intelligence sources. Russian soldiers are currently in the allied country, trained to operate the Fath-360 missile system.

Relations between Moscow and Tehran have been tightening recently. Not long ago, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu visited Iran, where he met with President Masoud Pezeszkian, among others. Their topic of conversation was "expanding bilateral partnership for global security and peace." Western analysts noted that Tehran was seeking S-400 air defense systems from the Russian Federation at the time. Moscow authorities were reportedly positive about Tehran's request for assistance.

The alliance between Russia and Iran is progressing. Sources in European military intelligence, cited by Reuters but wishing to remain anonymous, report that Tehran is preparing to send hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia. "The delivery of hundreds of satellite-guided missiles to Russia for the war in Ukraine is expected soon," the report states.

Representatives of the Russian ministry reportedly signed an agreement in Tehran in December for the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system built by the Iranian company Ababil. Iran is preparing to ship the weapons, though the exact number of missiles is unknown.

There is talk of "hundreds" of units. Additionally, dozens of Russian soldiers are currently in Iran for training to prepare the army to operate the systems. The United States has refused to confirm information about possible missile deliveries from Iran to Russia, while NATO allies are "ready for a swift and sharp response if Iran makes such a transfer."

The mentioned Fath-360 (BM-120) is a tactical short-range ballistic missile produced in Iran, announced in 2022. It is, therefore, a relatively new weapon. However, it is known that the Fath-360 is a part of the Fateh family, and its weight and dimensions allow for several missiles to be placed on a single truck launcher.

The total mass of the Iranian missile, which could be sent to Russia, is just under 1,740 lbs. The warhead itself, however, weighs 330 lbs. The total length of the Fath-360 is nearly 17 feet, with a diameter of almost 16 inches. This ammunition's effective strike range is 75 miles, with a launch speed of 2.5 Mach (over 2,237 mph) and an impact speed of 3 Mach (nearly 3,728 mph).

The Fath-360 is guided by a combination of inertial navigation and satellite navigation, which ensures accuracy within less than 98 feet.