Russia Secretly Helps Iran Develop Supersonic Cruise Missiles, FT Reports
Russia has secretly assisted Iran in developing supersonic cruise missile technology under a covert program codenamed C430L, according to a Financial Times investigation based on leaked correspondence, travel records, and Russian military patents.
The Financial Times (FT) has reported that Russia has been assisting Iran in developing advanced supersonic cruise missile technology, a development that could pose a threat to US warships and other military targets in the Middle East. The covert program, known as C430L, began in 2023 and continued until 2026, involving Russian missile specialists working alongside Iran's missile manufacturer NPO Mashinostroyenia.
Leaked correspondence suggests Russian engineers traveled to Iran and reviewed data from flight tests. According to the FT, this transfer of highly sensitive military technology from Russia to Iran has been a goal of Iran for decades. The technology, combining high speed with low-altitude flight, could pose a significant threat to the US Navy in the Gulf.
Iran has previously developed a ramjet propulsion system, but there is no evidence of a deployed supersonic cruise missile. The cooperation between Russia and Iran, according to experts, could be a sign of Russia trying to broaden the Ukraine war and draw the US into different theatres.
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