Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles: FT

LONDON, Sep 2:  Russia has been secretly assisting Iran in developing advanced supersonic cruise missiles capable of threatening US aircraft carriers and other warships in the Middle East, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.

According to an FT investigation based on leaked correspondence, travel records and military patents, the multiyear covert program, codenamed C430L, began in 2023 and involved Russian missile specialists helping Iran develop ramjet propulsion technology for a new generation of weapons.

Ramjet propulsion can enable cruise missiles to travel at several times the speed of sound. Experts cited by the FT said the technology was almost certainly intended for use in anti-ship and land-attack missiles.

Iran has reportedly built and flight-tested the ramjet propulsion system, although there is no evidence that a Russian-assisted supersonic cruise missile has yet entered operational service.

The program was reportedly organized by Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport in coordination with missile manufacturer NPO Mashinostroyenia. Russian engineers analyzed data from an Iranian flight test and provided technical guidance on fuel systems, combustion stability, air intakes and engine nozzles.

The FT reported that cooperation continued into 2026, following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran. The two sides were reportedly discussing a further phase of the program as recently as June.