What Happened
Moscow Helps Tehran Develop Advanced Strategic Weapon System
Russia has been secretly helping Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles, according to a Financial Times investigation. The programme, codenamed C430L, has enlisted Russian missile specialists to help Iran develop a ramjet propulsion system, which could threaten US aircraft carriers and warships in the Middle East. The cooperation is part of a broader pattern of technological assistance between Russia and Iran, and highlights the growing strategic military relationship between the two countries. The Financial Times reports that the programme has been ongoing since 2023 and has involved the transfer of sensitive military technology from Russia to Iran.