Iran is getting ready to send a shipment of launchers for short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, according to Western and regional officials. This development adds to ongoing concerns about growing defense cooperation between Tehran and Moscow as the war in Ukraine continues.
The weapon involved is the Fath-360, a missile system capable of hitting targets up to 120 kilometers away. Military analysts say the system is quick to deploy and designed for use in battlefield environments where speed and mobility are essential. It can target troops, logistics hubs, and areas near the frontlines.
U.S. officials previously stated that Iran sent these missiles to Russia last year, but without the necessary launchers. The missile delivery reportedly took place via Russian-flagged cargo vessels that have since been sanctioned by Washington. Sources now say the transfer of launchers is imminent, though they did not provide further details about the timing or shipping method.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied the reports, describing them as baseless. In a public statement, the Iranian delegation said it has no intention of providing military equipment to any side while hostilities are ongoing. Russia has not issued a public response.
Although both Iran and Russia have officially denied sending or receiving weaponry for use in the war, Western intelligence assessments and Ukrainian military reports suggest that Iran has already supplied Russia with thousands of drones and large quantities of artillery munitions.
American officials believe that Tehran’s missile contributions include hundreds of short-range systems. In a recent statement before Congress, a top U.S. general cited more than 400 missiles delivered by Iran to Russia, though no model names were confirmed. Analysts believe that the Fath-360 is likely among them.
These missiles are considered effective for short-range strikes and are relatively easy to operate. Their fast launch preparation and short travel time make them hard to intercept, posing a challenge for defenders. Military experts say the system could be used for attacks on tactical targets without requiring extensive infrastructure or personnel training.
The timing of this transfer comes as Washington attempts to address both the war in Ukraine and nuclear concerns with Iran. U.S.-Iran discussions on Iran’s nuclear program have resumed, with Oman serving as a mediator. Another round of indirect talks is expected soon, though progress remains uncertain.
Some officials suspect that these diplomatic discussions may have contributed to the delay in delivering the launchers. Others argue that the missile shipments are being handled independently from nuclear negotiations. Analysts say that Iran may view its defense ties with Russia as a separate issue, focused more on strategic interests than on diplomatic alignment.
Another technical factor may also be at play. Iran’s Fath-360 launchers are mounted on modified commercial trucks. Adapting these vehicles to Russian military standards could require adjustments, especially since many Russian transport units have been lost in the war.
Adding this new capability to the battlefield could allow Russian forces to rely less on more advanced missiles, such as the Iskander, which are typically reserved for deeper strikes. By using the Fath-360s for closer-range missions, Russia may preserve more of its advanced inventory for high-impact targets farther inside Ukrainian territory.
The weapons are not viewed as highly advanced but could still contribute to battlefield pressure. Experts note that while the Fath-360 does not carry a large warhead and lacks the precision of top-tier systems, it provides a reliable and fast-launching alternative. This could increase the frequency of Russian attacks and stretch Ukraine’s air defense capabilities even further.
U.S. officials say they are closely monitoring the situation. If the launchers are delivered, it would mark another step in what appears to be an expanding military relationship between two of Washington’s adversaries.
Image is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license and was created by Mohammad Shaltouki.
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