A Financial Times investigation reveals that Russia has been providing technical assistance to Iran for a supersonic missile program since 2023.
Key facts
- •The C430L program began in 2023 and involves the development of ramjet engines for supersonic cruise missiles.
- •Russian state entities Rosoboronexport and NPO Mashinostroyeniya are coordinating the project.
- •Iran has already conducted flight tests of the ramjet engine developed through the program.
- •The technology is intended for use in anti-ship missiles and weapons capable of striking ground targets.
- •President Vladimir Putin publicly threatened to supply similar weapons to other regions in June 2024.
Since 2023, Russia has been secretly assisting Iran in the development of advanced supersonic cruise missiles under a program designated as C430L. According to a Financial Times investigation, the project focuses on creating ramjet engines capable of sustaining flight at several times the speed of sound.
Project Details and Oversight
The program is managed on the Russian side by the state agency Rosoboronexport in coordination with NPO Mashinostroyeniya. The project has involved leading Russian missile designers, with the goal of developing technology for both anti-ship and ground-strike weapons. Fabian Hinz of Conflict Armament Research noted that the transfer of such sensitive military technology would require high-level political authorization within Russia.
Current Status and Context
Iran has reportedly completed the construction of the ramjet engine and has conducted flight tests. While the program was active, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated in June 2024 that Moscow could supply similar weapons to regions where strikes could be carried out against countries targeting Russia with Western-supplied arms. There is currently no evidence that the missiles developed under the C430L program have entered active service.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
