Iranian Missile Training Deepens Military Ties with Russia

Dozens of Russian military personnel are being trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 ballistic missile system, with expected delivery of hundreds of these weapons to Russia. This move could escalate Iran's involvement in the Ukraine conflict, prompting concern from U.S. and European officials.

Dozens of Russian military personnel are currently undergoing training in Iran to operate the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, according to two European intelligence sources. This training precedes an imminent delivery of hundreds of these satellite-guided weapons to Russia for its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry is reported to have signed a contract with Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization on Dec. 13. The agreement includes the Fath-360 and another ballistic missile system known as Ababil. U.S. and NATO officials have voiced strong objections, warning of severe repercussions if the transfer goes ahead.

A senior Iranian official, requesting anonymity, confirmed the sale of missiles and drones to Russia but denied supplying Fath-360 missiles. Despite U.N. Security Council restrictions on Iran's export of certain military technologies expiring in October 2023, both the U.S. and EU maintain sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program over concerns of weapon exports to proxies and Russia.