Iran is expected to deliver hundreds of Fath 360 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia soon, according to several sources. According to the information, “dozens” of Russian military personnel are currently being trained in the use of the weapons systems..
Intelligence sources told Reuters that the “only next possible step” after the training is for the weapons to be delivered to Russia as well, and that Russian Defense Ministry officials reportedly signed a contract with Iran in December to supply the Fath 360, as well as another ballistic missile system called Ababil, developed by Iran’s state-run Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).
However, no timeframe was given for the delivery of the weapons, other than that it would be “soon”.
Meanwhile, US National Security Council officials are threatening that they and their NATO allies “are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with such transfers”.
The missiles are estimated to be capable of hitting targets within a radius of 120 kilometers, and the warheads weigh 150 kilograms. US defense experts say the Fath 360 is comparable to the US HIMARS and also has satellite guidance capabilities.
Iran denies
According to Reuters sources, the delivery of such missiles could allow Russia to use its own long-range missiles to strike targets beyond the front lines, while the Iranian weapons would be intended for closer actions.
However, it should also be noted that rumors of Iranian arms deliveries to Russia have been circulating in the media on several occasions, and as recently as February it was claimed that Russia had received hundreds of Zolfaghar missiles from Tehran – these rumors were never confirmed.
Russia declined to comment on the reports and Iranian officials denied the arms delivery – but confirmed that the two countries have deepened their military cooperation.
