Russia has covertly assisted Iran with the development of advanced missile technology since 2023, according to a report published by the Financial Times on Tuesday.
The cooperation, reportedly carried out under the codename C430L, was intended to help Tehran develop missiles capable of striking US Navy aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East.
A central objective of the project was the development of a ramjet propulsion system that could enable Iranian missiles to travel at several times the speed of sound. Such missiles, particularly if flying at low altitude, would reduce the reaction time available to Western air defense systems and potentially increase the effectiveness of an attack.
According to the Financial Times investigation, transferring technology of this level would have required authorization from Russia’s highest political leadership. The arrangement may have formed part of a broader technology exchange between Moscow and Tehran: Iran has supported Russia’s drone program, while Russia has assisted Iran’s missile development, alongside their existing intelligence cooperation.
Documents obtained by the Financial Times indicate that preparations for the arrangement were already underway before the agreement was formally signed in November 2023, roughly one month after the October 7 attack.
The investigation found that Russian assistance continued during the war with Iran in February and that the support provided substantial help to Tehran during its attacks on Gulf states.
Moscow and Tehran have significantly expanded their military relationship in recent years, with both governments facing mounting pressure from Western countries over their regional activities and broader international alignments.
The growing partnership was also reflected in a meeting in Moscow in April 2025 between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Araghchi delivered a message from Iran’s then-Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was eliminated in joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between Tehran and Moscow.
Several weeks later, Putin signed legislation approved by Russia’s parliament designed to expand cooperation between the two countries in a range of areas, including security and military affairs.
Iran has also sought to acquire Russia’s advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. However, Tehran has expressed frustration over delays in Russia’s delivery of the aircraft.