Reuters reports that dozens of Russian military personnel are undergoing training in Iran on the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, according to European intelligence sources. The news agency’s investigation suggests an imminent delivery of hundreds of these satellite-guided weapons to Russia for potential use in Ukraine.
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The Fath-360, produced by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO), boasts a maximum range of 120 km and carries a 150 kg warhead. Intelligence sources indicate that a contract for the Fath-360 and another system, the Ababil, was signed on December 13 in Tehran.
This development marks a significant escalation from Iran’s previous support, which primarily consisted of Shahed attack drones. The introduction of the Fath-360 could allow Russia to conserve its existing ballistic missile arsenal for deeper strikes while employing the Iranian systems for closer-range targets.
Military experts suggest that the acquisition of these missiles could further strain Ukraine’s air defense systems, particularly the upper-tier assets like Patriot and SAMP/T, which are best suited to counter ballistic threats.
“Delivery of large numbers of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia would enable a further increase in pressure on already badly overstretched Ukrainian missile defence systems,” said Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow for Air Power at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
U.S. and allied officials have warned of a “swift and severe response” if Iran proceeds with the transfer. However, Iranian officials deny supplying weapons for use in the Ukraine conflict, stating that their military cooperation with Russia predates the current hostilities.
The potential missile transfer comes after the expiration of UN restrictions on Iranian missile exports in October 2023, though U.S. and EU sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile program remain in place.
As of now, Ukrainian authorities have not reported finding any Iranian missile remnants or debris in the conflict zone. The situation continues to evolve, with significant implications for the ongoing war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical tensions.
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