Iran bolstering Russian arsenal with hundreds of ballistic missiles
Iran is preparing to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles with a range of 75 miles to Russia, according to Reuters, citing anonymous European intelligence sources. Russian soldiers are currently in the ally country, where they are being trained on the Fath-360 missile system.
Relations between Moscow and Tehran have been tightening recently. Not long ago, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu visited Iran, where he met, among others, with President Masud Pezeszkian. The topic of their talks was "expanding bilateral partnership for global security and peace." Western analysts noted at the time that Tehran was seeking S-400 air defence complexes from Russia. The Moscow authorities were said to have positively considered Tehran's request for assistance.
Hundreds of missiles from Iran to Russia
The Russia-Iran alliance is progressing, as 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. "A delivery of hundreds of satellite-guided missiles to Russia for the war in Ukraine is expected soon," they state.
Representatives of the Russian ministry reportedly signed a deal in December in Tehran for the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system built by the Iranian company Ababil. Now, Iran is preparing to ship the weapons, although the exact number of missiles is unknown.
It is said there are "hundreds" of units. Additionally, dozens of Russian soldiers are currently in Iran, where they are being trained to operate the systems. The United States has declined to confirm the information about possible missile deliveries from Iran to Russia, while NATO allies are "ready for a quick and sharp reaction if Iran makes such a transfer."
Fath-360 ballistic missile
The Fath-360 (BM-120) is an Iranian-produced short-range tactical ballistic missile, announced in 2022. Therefore, it is a relatively new weapon. It is known that the Fath-360 is part of the Fateh family, and its weight and dimensions allow several missiles to be placed in a launcher on a single truck.
The total mass of the Iranian missile that may reach Russia is almost 1,742 pounds. The warhead itself weighs 331 pounds. The total length of the Fath-360 is almost 17 feet, while the diameter is nearly 16 inches. The effective firing range for this ammunition is specified at 75 miles, and the speed after launch is said to reach Mach 3, or over 2,237 miles per hour, and Mach 4 upon impact (nearly 3,107 miles per hour).
The guidance system for the Fath-360 relies on a combination of inertial and satellite navigation. This combination guarantees accuracy within less than 100 feet.
