Iran, Russia finalize €500 million cover arms pact — FT
Iran plans to boost air-defense with Russian missile technology (photo: Getty Images)
Iran and Russia signed a cover €500 million deal to supply advanced Verba man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), Financial Times reported.
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Sources told the media that the deal includes the delivery of 500 Verba MANPADS and 2,500 9M336 missiles over the next three years.
The deal comes amid Tehran's growing concerns over the condition of its air-defense system. Iranian authorities fear a repeat of the failures revealed during the 12-day conflict in June, when Israeli strikes exposed vulnerabilities in strategic targets.
The report also notes that the deal provides for the supply of 500 Mowgli-2 night vision devices for tracking aircraft and other targets.
Sources added that the deal is confidential and represents one of the largest arms deals between Iran and Russia in recent times.
Verba system: What's known
Verba is one of the most advanced man-portable air-defense systems, featuring infrared guidance and capable of striking cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, and drones.
The system is operated by small, mobile teams, allowing ground forces to quickly establish a dispersed air-defense network without relying on stationary radar installations, which are more vulnerable to strikes.
Documents specify that Russia is selling Iran 9M336 missiles at €170,000 each and the Verba systems at €40,000 per unit.
Iran under US pressure
Washington is reportedly considering various ways to increase pressure on Tehran, including limited strikes on military infrastructure as well as a larger-scale campaign that could carry serious political consequences for Iran's leadership.
The situation stems from the critical condition of Iran’s nuclear program. The White House has indicated that Iran could prevent US strikes by agreeing to new terms for a nuclear deal.
Meanwhile, Tehran is offering an alternative: instead of fully rolling back its nuclear program, it proposes exchanging oil and aircraft for sanctions relief.
