Russia is helping Iran acquire advanced supersonic cruise missile capabilities. A crucial aspect of Moscow’s cooperation involves providing Tehran with the necessary technical know-how regarding missile technology, alongside the supply of weaponry. This collaboration has been ongoing since 2023 under a covert program known as “C430L.” The program has continued despite the ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
As part of this project, senior experts from the Russian missile manufacturer NPO Mashinostroyeniya have worked directly with relevant entities in Iran’s defense sector. Their collaboration focused primarily on the development of ramjet propulsion—or ramjet engine—technology. This technology enables cruise missiles to maintain supersonic speeds while flying through the atmosphere.
Iran has already developed a ramjet propulsion system and conducted flight tests. Russian engineers assisted Iranian experts in analyzing the results of these tests, offering advice on identifying and resolving technical issues related to fuel supply systems, combustion stability, air intakes, and engine nozzles.
If this technical cooperation proceeds successfully, Iran could gain the capability to independently produce and further modernize a new family of advanced cruise missiles in the future. This would pave the way for strengthening the country’s indigenous missile program.
The long-standing strategic relationship between the two nations also plays a significant role in the deepening defense cooperation between Russia and Iran. In January 2025, Moscow and Tehran signed a comprehensive 20-year strategic partnership agreement, which has further expanded the scope of defense and security cooperation between the two countries.
