Iran Sends Hundreds of Ballistic Missiles to Russia, Strengthening Military Cooperation: Report
In a surprising turn of events, Iran has reportedly sent hundreds of its powerful ballistic missiles to Russia, deepening the military cooperation between the two U.S. adversaries. This move is expected to strengthen President Vladimir Putin’s hand in Ukraine as the two-year mark of Russia’s invasion of its neighbor approaches. The transfer of these weapons follows previous documented instances of weapons cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, including the transfer of Iranian-made Shahed drones that Russian forces have effectively deployed in Ukraine.
According to Reuters, Iran delivered at least 400 short-range Fateh-110 ballistic missiles to Russia in January of this year, and this number is expected to increase. The transfer of these missiles is seen as a significant development, as it will enable Putin to prolong his involvement in Ukraine. Behnam ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated, “Iranian material support such as drones has kept Putin fighting in Ukraine for much longer than expected. Ballistic missiles will keep him in that fight for longer now.”
Iran’s arsenal already boasts over 3,000 ballistic missiles, according to U.S. Central Command estimates from 2022. In recent years, Iran has made significant advancements and upgrades to its Fateh class of missiles, enhancing their precision, range, lethality, maneuverability, and survivability. The Fateh-110 missile, with an effective range of 300 kilometers (approximately 190 miles), is known for its accuracy and has been utilized in strikes from Iran into Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan.
Analysts predict that Iran will continue to manufacture and supply missiles to Russia in the future. The country has demonstrated the ability to produce these missiles domestically with minimal foreign input and can produce them in large quantities over an extended period of time. This missile transfer provides Russia with additional capabilities as it presses its advantage against Ukraine, especially in light of delays in additional U.S. aid.
Russia’s recent gains in the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka have dealt a significant blow to Ukraine, with hundreds of Ukrainian troops feared missing or taken prisoner by Russian forces. The situation is further complicated by the uncertainty surrounding continued U.S. aid for Ukraine. While the U.S. Senate passed a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel, several Congressional Republicans in the House of Representatives are opposing its passage. Additionally, concerns loom over the 2024 U.S. election, as a potential Donald Trump presidency could result in a complete cut-off of aid to Ukraine.
The partnership between Iran and Russia is mutually beneficial. For Iran, the weapons trade with Russia serves as a valuable source of revenue, particularly as it faces heavy sanctions from the U.S. and EU. Reports suggest that this partnership includes cash and gold transfers, conventional weapons transfers, fighter jet deals, and even assistance with Iran’s space program. Despite Western sanctions crippling its economy, Iran remains undeterred in selling lethal weapons to Russia.
In return for its cooperation, Iran stands to gain new military hardware from Russia. The recent missile deal indicates that an agreement is in place for Russia to send advanced weapons systems to Iran. In September 2023, Russia delivered a squadron of modern training aircraft to Iran’s air force, marking the first phase of a deal that also includes SU-35 jet interceptors. The SU-35 fighter jet will significantly enhance Iran’s capabilities, especially amid mounting tensions with Israel and the U.S.
The response from Washington may be limited due to the Biden administration’s reluctance to escalate tensions in the Middle East further. While the U.S. can impose sanctions on Iran’s weapons programs, it cannot intercept the transportation of missiles to Russia along their supply route. The expiration of a U.N. arms embargo in 2023 has further complicated the situation. As Ukraine’s allies struggle to provide adequate support, Iran’s growing ties with Russia highlight a shift in the tide of the war, favoring Russia.
The reported transfer of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia marks a significant milestone in Iranian ballistic missile proliferation. As Iran continues to strengthen its relationship with Russia, the consequences for regional stability and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain uncertain.
