Breaking News: Iran to Supply Russia with Fath-360 Ballistic Missile Launchers for Battlefield Use in Ukraine.

In a development that signals a deepening strategic alliance between Iran and Russia, Iran is reportedly preparing to deliver Fath 360 tactical surface-to-surface ballistic missile launchers to Russia. This move follows a series of escalating arms transfers that have already reshaped the battlefield dynamics in Ukraine. On May 9, 2025, the international press agency Reuters confirmed that Iranian-made Fath 360 short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), are expected to be shipped to Russia in the near future. The significance of this delivery lies not only in the capability of the systems but also in the strategic implications of the growing military cooperation between the two nations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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Iran deepens its military ties with Russia by preparing the delivery of Fath-360 launchers for use in Ukraine. (Picture source: Iran Press Agency and editing Army Recognition Group)

Iran and Russia have, over the past two years, intensified their military cooperation. Despite earlier denials by both parties, Western intelligence has confirmed that Iran has already supplied Russia with thousands of drones, including the Shahed-series loitering munitions, and artillery shells. The inclusion of tactical ballistic missile systems represents a serious upgrade in the scale and lethality of Iranian assistance. U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli, the commander of U.S. Central Command, testified last month before Congress that Iran had donated over 400 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Although the specific types were not publicly disclosed at the time, sources now indicate that the Fath 360 is among the systems either delivered or being prepared for imminent deployment. Notably, until now, there have been no confirmed public reports of the Fath-360 being used by Russian forces or integrated into their operational structure.

The Fath 360 is a high-speed, tactical short-range ballistic missile system developed by Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization. Unveiled in 2022, the missile represents a leap in Iran’s SRBM (Short-Range Ballistic Missile) category, being smaller, faster, and more accurate than older systems such as the Fateh-110. With a maximum range estimated at 120 kilometers and carrying a warhead of up to 150 kilograms, the Fath 360 is designed for fast deployment, precision targeting, and battlefield utility. The system employs a solid-fueled motor, reducing preparation time compared to liquid-fueled missiles. It also incorporates satellite navigation (GNSS) systems for mid-course correction, which provides enhanced accuracy—critical for striking tactical targets such as artillery positions, logistics nodes, and command centers.

The modular launch system allows rapid deployment from specialized wheeled platforms or modified commercial trucks. This makes the Fath 360 highly mobile and survivable, especially in environments where counter-battery and counter-missile systems are in constant use, such as Ukraine. If deployed, Russia could integrate the Fath 360 to strike Ukrainian front-line positions with high accuracy while avoiding the longer preparation and visibility risks associated with larger systems like the Iskander-M. Its mobility and responsiveness could make it an ideal weapon for "shoot-and-scoot" tactics, particularly in the fast-shifting frontlines in Donbas and southern Ukraine. The system would be especially effective for saturating Ukrainian defenses during offensive operations, targeting fortified positions, or destroying logistics hubs near the front. Its relatively small size and launcher flexibility also mean it can be hidden more effectively from aerial reconnaissance and satellite tracking—unlike the more cumbersome ballistic systems typically used by Russia. Moreover, the addition of Fath-360s will relieve pressure on Russia’s dwindling stockpile of domestic ballistic missiles, many of which have been extensively used in the campaign targeting Ukrainian infrastructure since the beginning of the war.

This anticipated delivery is more than a simple arms transfer—it reflects a substantial elevation of Iran's role in the Ukraine conflict. Beyond weapons, Iran has been involved in training Russian personnel to operate these missile systems. Reports indicate that Iranian military instructors hosted Russian officers in Tehran and central Iran throughout late 2023, as part of a broader technology transfer program. The roots of this cooperation were laid with a defense agreement signed in December 2023, reportedly encompassing not only missile systems but also UAVs, surveillance technologies, and electronic warfare components. Iran’s motivations are multifaceted: solidifying its alliance with a global power, challenging Western influence, and positioning itself as a premier exporter of battlefield-proven missile technology.

The implications of this new phase in Russia-Iran cooperation are profound. It challenges Western deterrence efforts and risks prompting a new arms race in the region. Washington and NATO have already warned of severe consequences if Iran continues to militarize Russia’s war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Israel and Gulf states view the growing export capability of Iran’s missile industry with increasing alarm. On the diplomatic front, this military entanglement may derail ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and further isolate Tehran from Western powers. Simultaneously, it may open doors for new strategic alliances between Russia, Iran, and countries that seek to challenge the current international security architecture.

The expected delivery of Fath 360 missile launchers from Iran to Russia marks a significant development in the military dimension of the Ukraine conflict. It offers Moscow a new tactical weapon to bolster its battlefield operations while cementing Tehran’s position as a key player in the ongoing war. As these weapons potentially make their way into Ukraine, the international community is bracing for what could be a new, more dangerous chapter in the conflict—one shaped not only by Russian ambitions but also by the rising military export power of Iran.