Iranian arms bound for Russia: New Arman system on the move
Supplies of military equipment, likely destined for Russia, are en route to the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Anzali on the Caspian Sea. In addition to the Fath 360 ballistic missiles already deployed by Russia, the shipment includes a new type of anti-aircraft weapon identified as the Arman system, which was unveiled at the beginning of 2024.
The Ukrainian service Defence Express reports on the transport of Iranian weapons. Ukrainians emphasize that while the final destination of the Iranian equipment is currently unknown, the location of the port on the Caspian Sea suggests that Russia could be the intended recipient.
This assumption is further supported by Moscow's longstanding military support from Tehran. Besides the Shahed family drones, which are now being produced under license in the Russian city of Yelabuga in the Republic of Tatarstan, Iran's support has included items such as Fath-360 ballistic missiles.
This list may soon be extended to include new weaponry—the Arman air defense system.
New anti-aircraft system from Iran
This weapon was publicly showcased in 2024, but little is known about it aside from its presentation. Information primarily comes from official Iranian sources, which could be instruments of Tehran's propaganda or disinformation.
The Arman system's effector is the Sayyad-3 (Sayyad-3F) missiles, also used in other Iranian air defense systems. The Arman is purported to have the capability to counter targets at altitudes of up to 17 miles and distances of up to 75 miles. In addition to drones, cruise missiles, and airplanes, it reportedly can—according to Iran—intercept ballistic missiles.
Arman air defense system
The system purportedly provides the ability to simultaneously track up to 24 targets and guide missiles to six of them at the same time. Iran has likely developed two variants of the Arman system, differing in the type of radar used.
Ukrainians also note that, since Arman is a new weapon, its transport to Russia does not necessarily imply its immediate use in combat. According to Defence Express, an alternative scenario involves using the Russian Kapustin Yar range in the Astrakhan region for further testing and development of the new weapon.
