Rocket launcher deal illustrates deepening Russia-Iran relations

Report of deal comes as top Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei discusses developing strategic cooperation treaty with Putin. Russia has supplied Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, reports have said, as Moscow confirmed its close relations with Tehran. Russia agreed a deal in 2024 to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing documents from a major Russian defence manufacturer.

The launchers are designed to carry Russia’s light multipurpose guided missile, known as the LMUR or Izdeliye 305. The precision weapon, capable of striking moving targets, entered military service in 2022 and has since been widely used by Russian forces in Ukraine. The weapons are built for Russia’s Mi-28 attack helicopters, which Iran already possesses.

Al Jazeera was not able to confirm if the order has been delivered. The reported deal illustrates the strengthened military ties between Moscow and Tehran since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.