Abstract:
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FT stories Iran agreed €500m arms cope with Russia in December
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Contract covers 500 Verba MANPADS launchers and a couple of,500 9M336 missiles
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Deliveries scheduled in tranches from 2027 to 2029
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Deal negotiated between Rosoboronexport and Iran’s defence ministry consultant
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Tehran formally requested techniques in July
Earlier:
Iran has reportedly agreed to a €500 million arms cope with Russia to buy hundreds of superior shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, in keeping with a report by the Monetary Occasions.
Citing leaked Russian paperwork and people conversant in the matter, the FT mentioned the settlement was signed in Moscow in December. The contract commits Russia to provide 500 man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) launch models of the Verba sort, together with 2,500 related 9M336 missiles, over a three-year supply schedule operating from 2027 by means of 2029.
The techniques are designed to focus on plane, helicopters and probably drones at comparatively low altitudes, enhancing short-range air defence capabilities. If accomplished, the deal would symbolize a major improve to Iran’s cellular air-defence stock at a time of heightened regional pressure.
In accordance with the report, the negotiations had been performed between Rosoboronexport and the Moscow-based consultant of Iran’s Ministry of Protection and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Tehran is claimed to have formally requested the gear final July, with documentation reviewed by the FT outlining the size and timeline of the proposed acquisition.
The timing is notable. In June final 12 months, US forces performed strikes on three of Iran’s principal nuclear services amid escalating hostilities tied to the broader Israel-Iran confrontation. President Donald Trump subsequently said that key nuclear infrastructure had been destroyed in these operations.
Whereas the long-dated supply schedule suggests no instant battlefield shift, the settlement — if verified — underscores continued deepening defence cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. It additionally indicators Iran’s intent to bolster air defence resilience in anticipation of potential future navy stress.
Neither authorities has publicly confirmed the reported transaction. Nonetheless, the prospect of expanded Russian arms transfers to Iran is probably going to attract scrutiny from Western capitals and will add one other layer of complexity to already strained geopolitical dynamics.
2027-2029 supply schedule will not impression Trump present planning. Perhaps pace it up 😉
