Iran may send hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia: What's known about Fath-360 and Ababil
Photo: model of the Ababil ballistic missile (irna.ir)
Iran may transfer hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia. This concerns the Fath-360 and Ababil, which have different characteristics, Defense Express reports.
Ababil
The Ababil missile is a small missile measuring 3.7 meters in length, weighing 240 kg, with a range of up to 86 km. Analysts note that the Ababil exists in two versions: one with satellite and inertial navigation, and another with an additional optical-electronic guidance system for the terminal phase.
"It is also known that the missile is launched from transport-launch containers, which are grouped in sets of eight on a single platform," the article states.
Interestingly, the existence of this missile was not publicly known until recently. Additionally, the name Ababil is also used for various drones, including reconnaissance-strike and long-range kamikaze drones. The name Ababil is derived from mythical black swift birds that supposedly destroyed an Ethiopian army.
Fath-360
The Fath-360 missile, known in development as the BM-120, was publicly identified only in late 2021.
According to sources, this missile is 5.1 meters long, with a diameter of 368 mm, and a total weight of 787 kg, of which 150 kg is the warhead. It reaches speeds of up to Mach 4 and has a flight range of up to 120 km. The guidance system includes an inertial system and satellite navigation.
The Fath-360 is evidently based on the Fateh-110 and is a significantly smaller version. Visually, apart from the size, which can be difficult to distinguish in photos, they differ in the tail fin configuration. Additionally, the Fath-360 launcher, in line with Iranian tradition, is camouflaged as a standard civilian truck.
Differences
The main difference between the Fath-360, Ababil, and Fateh-110/Zolfagar is that the former are designed for direct application against front-line and near rear targets, while the latter are intended for deep rear attacks.
Supply of Iranian missiles to Russia
On August 9, Reuters reported that Iran might soon transfer short-range ballistic missiles, such as the Fath-360, to Russia. Deliveries of hundreds of these missiles are expected.
It is noted that Iran has significantly expanded two key ballistic missile production sites following an agreement from October 2022, in which Tehran allegedly agreed to supply missiles to Russia.
It should be remembered that there have been several reports about Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia. In February 2024, it was mentioned that Iran allegedly provided Russian forces with around 400 ballistic missiles. Additionally, in November 2023, the White House believed that Tehran was considering options for transferring Ababil and Fateh-110 missiles.
