Iran transfers ballistic missiles to Russia and expects to receive Su-35 fighter jets in return - ISW

An anonymous US official confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that Iran has delivered missiles to Russia. A senior European official also indicated that additional shipments of Iranian missiles to the aggressor country are expected.

The report highlighted that in December 2023, Iran and Russia signed a contract for the delivery of Iranian short-range ballistic missiles, including the Ababil and Fateh-360. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) did not specify which missiles are included in the recently delivered batch.

The ISW also noted that on July 7, Reuters reported the expansion of at least two Iranian defense industrial facilities outside Tehran between August and October 2023 to support the production of drones and missiles, some of which are intended for delivery to Russia.

"Russia will likely use Iranian-provided ballistic missiles to target Ukrainian energy. military, and civilian infrastructure over the coming fall and winter to further destabilize Ukrainian society and disrupt Ukraine’s defense industrial base (DIB)," the report stated.

Deepening partnership and Su-35

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted that the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles is part of the deepening strategic partnership between Iran and Russia.

The ISW has previously reported on the expansion of economic, media, military, and political cooperation between Moscow and Tehran since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.

ISW analysts believe that Iran seeks economic and military benefits from its expanding partnership with Russia. Tehran has been looking for funds to support its ailing economy by selling weapons to the Kremlin and has sought to acquire Russian Su-35 fighter jets. Iranian officials have pressured Russia for the Su-35s during a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu in Tehran in August 2024.

"The acquisition of Su-35s could enable Iran to more readily and independently project air power, given that the current Iranian air fleet is outdated and poorly maintained. Iranian leaders have separately sought Russian support in upgrading their cyber capabilities and missile and space programs as part of the expanding military collaboration," the report stated.

The ISW also noted that the US and unnamed European countries have prepared a sanctions package against Iran for such contingencies.

Iranian ballistic missiles for Russia

The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has delivered a batch of ballistic missiles to Russia, likely of short range.

It was previously reported that Iran might soon transfer several hundred Fath 360 short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

Tehran has increased its production of ballistic missiles and drones following the signing of a cooperation agreement with Russia.

The White House has described the missile transfer as a dramatic escalation in Tehran's support for Russia's war against Ukraine.