Russia agrees to supply Iran with 90 launchers for missiles used in Ukraine war
Photo: Iranian missile (Getty Images)
Russia has agreed to supply Iran with 90 APU-L launchers for guided Izdeliye 305 missiles, which Russian forces are actively using in the war against Ukraine, according to the Financial Times.
The media outlet reviewed a production schedule from one of Russia’s major defense companies for 2024–2025. The documents were provided by the Ukrainian private intelligence organization Dallas Analytics.
In May 2024, Russian company Vympel asked the KBM design bureau to expedite the delivery of components for APU-L and APU-305 launchers. The letter stated that delays could jeopardize nine contracts.
Who is involved in the orders
The accompanying schedule lists seven Russian customers and two foreign buyers. In particular:
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China ordered 192 APU-305-type launchers;
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A buyer identified by the code name K-10, which Russia uses to refer to Iran, ordered 90 APU-L launchers.
Both types of systems are designed for Izdeliye 305 missiles, which are launched from helicopters. They can strike moving targets at distances of up to 14 km.
According to Dallas Analytics, the missile travels at a speed of about 230 meters per second and covers the distance in approximately one minute, while the operator can adjust its flight in real time.
APU-L launchers are designed for Mi-28 attack helicopters and can carry two missiles. Iran already has these helicopters in service: photographs of Mi-28s were taken at aviation facilities in Tehran in January 2026.
At the same time, the documents do not confirm whether Russia has already physically delivered the contracted launchers to Iran.
Earlier, CNN reported that Russian reconnaissance satellites may have provided Iran with intelligence that helped Tehran carry out more accurate strikes on US facilities.
In particular, 14 Russian satellites flew over a US military base in Saudi Arabia two days before a devastating attack on the facility.
