Breaking News: Iran Allegedly Ships Fath-360 and Arman Air Defense Missile Systems to Russia.

On January 2, 2024, MilitaryNewsUA reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Iranian sources have indicated a convoy of vehicles spotted at the port of Bandar-e Anzali, located on the Caspian Sea, is believed to be transporting advanced missile systems and air defense units to Russia. According to these sources, the shipments are said to include Fath-360 and Arman air defense systems, both of which could significantly bolster Russian military capabilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development comes at a time of heightened tensions and underscores the growing military cooperation between the two nations amid the war in Ukraine.
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A convoy of vehicles reportedly carrying the Arman air defense system, spotted at the port of Bandar-e Anzali, Caspian Sea, on January 2, 2024. (Picture source: X Account MilitaryNewsUA)

The Fath-360, a short-range ballistic missile developed by Iran, has garnered significant attention due to its potential use in combat against both land and maritime targets. Part of Iran’s growing arsenal of precision-guided munitions, the Fath-360 is comparable to the U.S. HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) in terms of its operational role and versatility. With a reported range of 120 kilometers and a speed of up to Mach 4, the Fath-360 is equipped with a 150 kg warhead, making it highly effective for targeting large, soft assets such as command centers, radar installations, or enemy armor.

The Fath-360 missile is part of a broader strategy by Iran to provide Russia with long-range missiles, including Fateh-110 derivatives. This provision could significantly enhance Russia’s missile capabilities, especially as it faces mounting resistance in Ukraine and a shortage of precision-guided munitions. Analysts speculate that these missiles may be used against strategic targets in Ukraine, where the Russian military has been increasingly reliant on precision weapons.

Alongside the Fath-360, Iranian sources also reported the transfer of the Arman air defense system. This system is fully mobile and was previously known as the Tactical Sayyad air defense system. It was first observed during a military parade in Iran in April 2022 and was later showcased at Russia’s ARMY-2023 Expo in Moscow under its export designation. The Arman system is equipped with radar capable of detecting up to 24 targets within a range of 180 to 200 kilometers. It can intercept targets at a range of 160 kilometers and engage them at a range of 120 kilometers, with a maximum engagement altitude of 27 kilometers.

The Arman air defense missile system is designed to defend against both aerial threats and missile strikes, making it a formidable asset for any military. Notably, the Arman system can engage up to six targets simultaneously, increasing its effectiveness in high-threat environments. The air defense system uses a triple missile launcher and is reportedly equipped with the Sayyad-3F missile, a vertically launched variant of the Sayyad-3 missile. These missiles are 6.1 meters in length, 40 centimeters in diameter, and weigh approximately 1,000 kilograms. With a range of 120 kilometers and a maximum engagement altitude of 27 kilometers, the Sayyad-3F missiles are capable of neutralizing a wide range of aerial threats, from fighter jets to cruise missiles.

The transfer of these sophisticated systems underscores the deepening military partnership between Iran and Russia, which has become increasingly evident since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both nations have increasingly relied on each other for weapons and military technology. Iran has supplied Russia with a range of munitions, including drones and missiles, while Russia has assisted Iran with military training and advanced technologies. The growing cooperation between the two countries can be seen as a strategic alignment aimed at countering international pressure and sanctions. Iran’s provision of the Fath-360 and Arman air defense systems is likely part of a broader effort to support Russia’s military operations, while Russia’s assistance to Iran in terms of training and technology exchange provides a counterbalance to the sanctions faced by both countries.

The Fath-360 is an Iranian short-range ballistic missile with a 120 km range and Mach 4 speed, designed for precision strikes against land and maritime targets. (Picture source FARSNEWS)

Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, the defense collaboration between Russia and Iran has become one of the most notable aspects of the conflict. As both nations face mounting international pressure, their military ties have deepened significantly. Iran has emerged as a key military supplier to Russia, providing a wide range of weapons, including the Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6 drones, which Russia has heavily used for reconnaissance and strike missions against Ukrainian infrastructure. In return, Russia has provided advanced military training and technology to Iran, contributing to the development of more advanced weapons systems.

This growing defense partnership has enabled both countries to mitigate the effects of Western sanctions, with Iran helping to replenish Russia’s stock of precision-guided munitions and long-range strike capabilities. The delivery of systems like the Fath-360 missile launcher and Arman air defense systems is seen as the latest phase in this bilateral defense cooperation. These advanced systems not only enhance Russia’s military capabilities but also deepen the reliance of both nations on each other in the face of international sanctions and growing isolation.

The growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran underscores the strategic alignment between the two countries in the face of global opposition. As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, it increasingly depends on Iran for the replenishment of its weapon stockpiles, including precision missiles, drones, and air defense systems. The supply of these systems could significantly alter the course of the conflict, providing Russia with more advanced tools to counter Ukraine’s Western-supplied weaponry. For Iran, this partnership offers an opportunity to integrate itself into global defense networks further, expand its own military capabilities, and offset the impact of sanctions.

The delivery of these sophisticated weapons is likely to heighten concerns among NATO allies and Ukraine, who have already expressed alarm over Russia’s increasing use of Iranian drones and missiles in the ongoing conflict. If the shipment of these weapons is confirmed, it would underscore the extent to which Russia is relying on Iran’s weapons systems, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine are leveraging international alliances to sustain their military momentum, with Russia turning to Iran for more advanced weaponry.

As the situation develops, further scrutiny will be directed at the impact of these advanced systems on the battlefield. The Fath-360 and Arman air defense missile systems could prove to be pivotal in shaping the ongoing conflict, potentially altering the military dynamics and further complicating the geopolitical landscape. The strategic importance of these systems highlights the growing interdependence between Iran and Russia and may signal a new phase in the global military alignments that are shaping the conflict in Ukraine.