MOSCOW: Russia has secretly assisted Iran in developing supersonic cruise missile technology under a programme launched in 2023, the Financial Times reported, citing documents and information concerning cooperation between Russian and Iranian officials.
According to the report, the programme, codenamed C430L, involved Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and US-sanctioned missile manufacturer NPO Mashinostroyenia. Experts said the technology could potentially support missiles designed for anti-ship and land-attack missions.
Russian arms officials and senior engineers reportedly travelled repeatedly to Iran during 2023, providing technical expertise that could prove valuable for Tehran’s missile development efforts.
Russian Engineers Reportedly Provided Technical Expertise
The Financial Times identified several specialists involved in the visits, including engineers with expertise in sea-launched missiles, aerodynamics, ballistics and supersonic ramjet propulsion.
Furthermore, Rosoboronexport official Vladislav Kuzmichev reportedly accompanied one delegation and later negotiated the C430L contract with Iran.
By 2025, NPO Mashinostroyenia had reportedly received Iranian technical materials for assessment. Correspondence reviewed by the newspaper indicated Russian engineers subsequently raised technical questions and proposed another specialist visit to Iran.
Missile expert Fabian Hinz told the Financial Times that experienced engineers could provide considerable value by directly helping solve complex technical problems.
Putin and Pezeshkian Pledge Continued Cooperation
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow’s support during talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
Putin said Russia would continue providing Iran with necessary assistance and essential goods despite the difficult political environment.
Pezeshkian, meanwhile, criticised US sanctions and said Tehran and Moscow could use organisations including the SCO to strengthen multilateral cooperation and find ways around Washington’s economic restrictions.
The reported missile cooperation has not been independently confirmed.
