Russia secretly helping Iran build advanced supersonic cruise missiles — FT

The Financial Times revealed on September 1 that Russia has been covertly assisting Iran in developing advanced supersonic cruise missiles, a multiyear program dubbed C430L, according to leaked correspondence and travel records. The program, involving Russia's top missile specialists, aims to create a ramjet propulsion system enabling cruise missiles to reach several times the speed of sound.

This technology is primarily intended for anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, enhancing Iran's ability to challenge U.S. aircraft carriers and warships in the Middle East. While Iran has developed the ramjet propulsion system, there is no evidence of a deployed Russian-assisted supersonic cruise missile. The program, coordinated by Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport with NPO Mashinostroyenia, was in place during the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran in 2023.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Russia's readiness to assist Iran, and the U.S. and Iran resumed military strikes on August 31, following a month-long lull. Iran has been blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while signaling readiness to honor a June agreement if the U.S. reciprocates.