Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 missile launchers

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 12:23 · Archive

Leaked documents show Russia arranged to supply Iran with 90 launchers for advanced guided missiles.

Leaked documents obtained by Dallas Analytics, a Ukrainian private intelligence firm, reveal that Russia arranged to supply Iran with 90 launchers for the LMUR, an advanced guided missile fired from attack helicopters. A production schedule drawn up in May 2024 by Vympel, a Russian designer of missiles and launch systems, lists an order for 90 launchers under an export contract designated 'K-10', with deliveries scheduled between late 2024 and December 2025. Separate internal paperwork explicitly identifies K-10 as Iran.

The LMUR is a precision weapon capable of striking moving targets that entered Russian military service in 2022 and has been widely used by Russian forces against Ukrainian targets since the full-scale invasion. The launchers are designed to carry the missiles on Russia's Mi-28 attack helicopters, which Iran already possesses.

The leaked records do not establish whether the launchers were ultimately delivered. However, a separate production schedule listing six Yak-130 jet trainers destined for Iran in 2023 is consistent with publicly reported deliveries of those aircraft, suggesting the documented plans may have proceeded.

The deal emerged as Russia confirmed its close military relations with Tehran. A day before the documents became public, Russian President Vladimir Putin met top Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei at the Kremlin, with Rezaei delivering a message from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei aimed at 'further development of bilateral cooperation'.

Observers regard Moscow as one of the main winners of deepening military cooperation with Iran. Russia has benefited from increased global energy prices triggered by disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf. Higher oil revenues provide the Kremlin additional funds for its war in Ukraine and could ease pressure on Russia's strained budget. The two countries, both under heavy Western sanctions, have continued to pull closer together in recent years.

How it is being reported

• Russia secretly bolstered Iran's missile arsenal before war with US, records uncoverInternal Russian defense documents reveal a contract for 90 precision-guided missile launchers destined for Iran, detailing Moscow's military support.Fox News · 6 Nov, 16:06
• Rocket launcher deal illustrates deepening Russia-Iran relationsReport of deal comes as top Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei discusses developing cooperation treaty with Putin.Al Jazeera · 6 Nov, 11:28
• Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 helicopter missile launchersLeaked documents offer insight into Russian-Iranian military cooperation as US weighs up next steps in Iran war Russia arranged to supply Iran with 90 launchers for advanced guided missiles, according to leaked defence industry documents that shed light on the depth of military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. The documents, obtained by Dallas Analytics, a Ukrainian private intelligence firm and shared with the Guardian, detail plans to supply Iran with launchers for the LMUR, a guided missile fired from attack helicopters which Russian forces have used extensively against Ukrainian…The Guardian · 5 Nov, 15:10
• Russia deepened Iran support with missile launcher dealMoscow increased military aid for Tehran despite strains from Ukraine warFinancial Times · 5 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Russia · Iran · Vympel · Vladimir Putin · Mohsen Rezaei · Ukraine · United States · Dallas Analytics

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