Key facts
- Russian specialists are reportedly assisting Iran in developing supersonic cruise missiles.
- The program, codenamed C430L, began in 2023 and focuses on ramjet propulsion technology.
- Iran has already developed and tested a ramjet propulsion system.
- Such missiles could pose a threat to U.S. naval vessels due to their speed and low-altitude flight.
- The cooperation continued into 2026, with discussions on future stages as recently as June.
Russian missile specialists have been collaborating with Iran on a covert initiative to advance the development of supersonic cruise missiles, according to a report by the Financial Times. Citing leaked documents, travel records, and military patent analysis, the FT detailed a program codenamed C430L that commenced in 2023.
The program involves Russian experts aiding Iran in developing ramjet propulsion, a technology crucial for achieving speeds several times the speed of sound. These advanced missiles are likely intended for anti-ship and land-attack capabilities. While Iran has reportedly built and tested a ramjet propulsion system, there is no evidence to suggest that a supersonic cruise missile developed with Russian assistance has entered operational service.
Such weapons could present a significant new threat to U.S. naval vessels operating in the Middle East. Their high velocity and capacity for low-altitude flight can severely limit the reaction time for air and missile defense systems. The collaboration is coordinated by Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, in conjunction with NPO Mashinostroyenia, a Russian missile manufacturer previously sanctioned by the U.S.
Travel records indicate that Russian arms export officials and senior engineers from NPO Mashinostroyenia made multiple trips to Iran prior to Rosoboronexport finalizing a contract with Iran's Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics in November 2023. By 2025, NPO Mashinostroyenia had received Iranian technical materials related to the ramjet system. Russian engineers subsequently analyzed data from an Iranian flight test and requested further details on aspects such as fuel supply, combustion stability, air intake, and engine nozzle performance.
The exchanges reveal Russian engineers evaluating a system already constructed and tested by Iran, applying their expertise to resolve technical challenges and refine the design. This cooperation extended into 2026, even amidst the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran. Correspondence reviewed by the FT showed Russia preparing technical reports for Tehran, with discussions about a potential next phase of the program occurring as recently as June, though it remains uncertain if this phase has commenced.
Official responses from the Kremlin, Rosoboronexport, NPO Mashinostroyenia, and the Iranian government were not provided to the FT's inquiries. This development occurs against a backdrop of escalating military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, including Iran's supply of Shahed drones to Russia for use in Ukraine and assistance in establishing domestic drone production. Ukraine and Western officials have also accused Russia of aiding Iran in its conflict with the United States and Israel through the provision of satellite imagery, drone support, and weapon components.