FT Investigations Military technology: Russia secretly helping Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles

Leaks reveal programme behind one of the most significant known transfers of military technology from Moscow to Tehran

2. September 2026 um 18:00 Uhr / Von Miles Johnson, Financial Times

A Brahmos supersonic cruise missile is seen on display during the International Maritime Defence Show "Fleet" 2026 in Kronstadt on June 10, 2026. Bild: Olga Maltseva / AFP via Getty Images

Russia has been secretly helping Iran develop advanced supersonic cruise missiles in one of the most significant known transfers of strategic military technology from Moscow to Tehran.

The multiyear covert programme, codenamed C430L, has enlisted some of Russia's most experienced missile specialists to help Iran develop a new class of weapon capable of threatening US aircraft carriers and other warships in the Middle East.