Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport arranged a program with Iranian missile developer to create a ramjet propulsion system for a cruise missile capable of traveling at several times the speed of sound, the Financial Times reported. The program, codenamed C430L, began in 2023 and continued through 2026. Russian engineers made repeated trips to Iran before a contract was signed with Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics in November 2023.
By 2025, Russian specialists were analyzing Iranian flight-test data and advising Tehran on the ramjet's fuel system, combustion stability, air intake and engine nozzle, the newspaper said. A June 2026 letter from Rosoboronexport showed talks were still under way over a further phase of development, though it was unclear whether it had begun. Iran has built and flight-tested the propulsion system, but there is no evidence that a Russian-assisted supersonic cruise missile has entered service.
Jim Lamson, a former CIA military analyst focused on Iran, told the FT that the capability would "give the Iranians a qualitatively new strategic weapon system that could threaten US Navy vessels." Fabian Hinz, a senior analyst with Conflict Armament Research, described it as "the transfer of a highly strategically sensitive military technology from Russia that the Iranians have wanted to acquire for decades." Hinz said Russian engineering support would help Iran solve technical problems rather than simply provide finished weapons.
The arrangement reflects a broader military partnership between Moscow and Tehran. Iran previously supplied Russia with Shahed attack drones used in Ukraine and helped establish domestic production. Russia also agreed to supply Iran with Verba shoulder-fired air defense systems, while Iran acquired a high-resolution Chinese satellite later used to monitor US military facilities in the region.
The Kremlin, Rosoboronexport, NPO Mashinostroyenia and the Iranian government did not respond to requests for comment from the Financial Times.
