London: Russia is secretly helping Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles by providing sensitive ramjet technology, according to a report by the Financial Times.
The report claims Moscow has been assisting Tehran with the technology for several years, describing it as one of the most significant known transfers of sensitive strategic military technology from Russia to Iran.
According to the Financial Times, the programme, code-named C430L, began in 2023 and involves highly experienced Russian missile specialists.
The programme is reportedly aimed at helping Iran develop a missile system capable of allowing cruise missiles to travel at several times the speed of sound.
The Financial Times reported that the programme continued during the US-Israel war against Iran.
Ramjet technology can be used in cruise missiles designed to strike ships as well as targets on land.
Supersonic cruise missiles can travel at high speeds and low altitudes, giving air and missile defence systems limited time to detect and intercept them.
The technology could be particularly significant for Iran in the Gulf, where the United States and its allies have deployed advanced land and sea-based defence systems.
According to the report, Iran has already developed and tested ramjet systems. However, there is currently no evidence that a supersonic cruise missile developed with Russian assistance has been operationally deployed.
The alleged missile cooperation comes as strategic and military ties between Russia and Iran continue to deepen.
Iran has previously supplied Shahed attack drones to Russia and has also helped Moscow establish domestic production of the drones used in the war in Ukraine.
The Financial Times also cited allegations by Ukrainian and Western officials that Russia has been providing Iran with battlefield-related assistance during its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, including satellite imagery, drone support and weapons components.
