From The Analyst

IRANIAN SUPPLIED MISSILES IN RUSSIA

The details below are a summary of a very long report on the Iranian supply of missiles to Russia and what they actually are.

- Missile Transfer: Iran has delivered Fath-360 ballistic missiles to Russia, raising concerns among pro-Ukraine nations.
 
- Specifications:
   - Range: 120 km
   - Warhead: 150 kg
   - Velocity: Mach 4
   - Iran's claim of the missile’s range is plausible based on simulations.

- Comparison to Russian Missiles:
   - Comparable to Russia's 9M54 artillery missiles, but less accurate and effective.
   - Russian 9M544 and 9M549 missiles have a better CEP (7-15 meters) and use sub-munitions for wider impact.

- Russia's Motive:
   - Likely due to Russia’s production struggles, with Iran's missiles supplementing Russia's missile shortages.
   - Forces Ukraine to expend valuable air defense resources on less capable threats.

- Fath-360 Performance:
   - Claimed CEP of 30 meters, suitable for large or soft targets.
   - In Ukraine, the precision may decrease due to satellite navigation jamming.
  
- Launch System:
   - Mounted on IVECO Trakker trucks.
   - Launcher carries six missiles in canisters.

- Iranian Missile Development:
   - Iran began developing solid-propellant missiles in 1990.
   - The Fath-360, introduced in 2020, is compact and suitable for use by Iranian proxies like Hezbollah.

- Future Use:
   - These missiles may be used to target Ukraine's infrastructure or civilian areas, increasing the strain on Ukraine's air defenses. Russia might also adapt them for its logistics systems.

- Significance for Iran:
   - Combat experience with Fath-360 could lead to further missile improvements, which may benefit Iranian proxies and allies, indirectly aiding Russia.