New Rumors About Iranian Missiles for Russian Army
Since 2022, the topic of possible depletion of reserves has been regularly discussed in the foreign press weapons in Russia and the need to purchase it abroad. One of the main potential suppliers of weapons for Russia is Iran, which, according to some information, is transferring its missile systems to us. Recently, new reports have appeared on this topic, which are generally similar to those published earlier.
Fresh rumors
On September 5-6, authoritative Western media outlets published more reports on Russian-Iranian military-technical cooperation. Sources in US and Ukrainian government circles told the press that a transport vessel from Iran had arrived at one of Russia's Caspian Sea ports with military cargo — Fatah-360 ballistic missiles for the tactical missile system of the same name.
According to media reports, at least 200 missiles were transferred as part of this batch. It is expected that these weapons will soon be delivered to the combat units of the Russian missile forces and artillery, who will use it against Ukrainian targets.
Foreign media assume that Iranian-made systems will operate on targets in the north-eastern part of Ukraine, near the Russian border. In this case, the Fatah-360 missile system's strike zone would include Kharkov, Sumy and various objects along the state border.

Complexes "Fatekh-110" and "Zolfagar". Photo: Tasnim News
The Financial Times offers an interesting version. It suggests that Iranian missiles will allow Russian armed forces to carry out massive strikes at ranges of up to 100-120 km. This will free up the Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles, which can be used against targets at greater depths.
As in previous times, foreign media outlets call the supposed purchase of foreign ammunition a negative symptom, indicating the depletion of Russian weapons stockpiles and the impossibility of restoring them on their own. To solve such problems, Russia is forced to seek help from “rogue states” such as Iran or the DPRK.
Old topic
It should be recalled that there have been previous reports of Russia purchasing Iranian weapons. Since autumn 2022, this topic has been regularly discussed in the foreign press. However, despite numerous statements and assurances from sources, this information has never been confirmed by reliable facts. It is likely that the current reports of cooperation between Russia and Iran in the production and supply of missiles will also not be confirmed.
The Guardian was the first to report on Russia's possible acquisition of Iranian missiles in mid-October 2022. Its article spoke of Russian-Iranian agreements being prepared for the supply of missiles and other items. As usual, the information was obtained from unnamed but well-informed sources.
Last year, the topic of hypothetical Iranian missile deliveries was also raised several times. In February 20243, the issue was recalled once again, and in early September, another “round” of discussions began.

Khyber Shekan Complex. Photo by Fars News
It is noteworthy that almost two years have passed since the first rumors about Iranian missiles for the Russian army appeared. And each time the situation developed in the same way. First, a “respected” and “authoritative” foreign publication would publish a report citing an unnamed source. Then the media would actively discuss this rumor and make various predictions, and then publications on this topic would disappear, giving way to other, relevant topics. However, after a few months, they would reappear and attract the same attention.
Russia and Iran did not ignore these rumors. Officials from both countries stated each time that the information about missile deliveries was not true. It was also mentioned that Russian industry successfully copes with the task of supplying the army with missiles and other complex products, and therefore does not need foreign assistance.
Invisible activity
In 2022-24, foreign media repeatedly reported on Iran's supply of missile systems and ammunition for them. These reports mentioned various tactical and operational-tactical class systems, both the latest models and older ones.
According to media reports, Iran has supplied dozens of systems, including launchers and other means. Hundreds of missiles of various models have also been transferred. For example, the latest delivery alone allegedly included at least 200 missiles.
It is obvious that dozens of missile systems and hundreds of rockets would take up a significant place in the Russian missile forces and artillery units. The presence of such a number of imported missile systems would not be concealed from foreign intelligence services. the news detailed photos and videos would appear, not just statements from unnamed sources. However, objective evidence is not yet available, and is not even expected.

Land-based cruise missile "Pavez". Photo by Tasnim News
Foreign media claim that the missile systems are being purchased for use in the Special Operation. If this is true, then the Ukrainian side could have long ago provided evidence in the form of debris and fragments of missiles. The intensity of the hypothetical use of missiles, provided by the said scale of deliveries, would have facilitated this task.
However, since February 2022, the Ukrainian side has been presenting fragments of weapons exclusively of Russian manufacture. Fragments of Iskander, Kalibr, LMUR missiles, etc. were demonstrated. They also tried to look for fragments of North Korean-made weapons, but the fragments presented raise questions. Nevertheless, fragments of Iranian missiles, allegedly long in service, have not yet been demonstrated.
Production issues
It is easy to see that all foreign publications about the purchase of foreign weapons are based on the same thesis. "Informed sources" and other "experts" believe that Russia cannot provide its armed forces with the necessary weapons and ammunition.
According to this point of view, the Russian army must use up its stockpiles of missiles and shells. Some experts even named dates when this could happen. In addition, they believed that replenishing stockpiles at the required speed was impossible due to sanctions, "international isolation," etc.
However, these estimates turned out to be wrong. In recent years, the Russian defense industry has been preparing production lines and launching mass production of various products, including missiles of various classes. Due to this, combat units were equipped and warehouse stocks were created.

Russian Iskander OTRK. Photo by the Russian Ministry of Defense
After the start of the special military operation, production was not only maintained, but also increased. According to some data, since 2022, ammunition production has increased several times or even tens of times, depending on their class and type. This is enough to cover the current needs of the army and continue to create reserves.
Thus, Russia independently produces missile weapons, and the rate of their production corresponds to the current needs of the army or exceeds them. In such a situation, assistance from foreign partners is not required.
Incorrect assessments
Foreign experts and officials, including those holding responsible positions, often underestimate Russia's potential in various areas. They incorrectly assess the state of the Russian economy, the country's industrial capabilities and its defense capability. Based on this erroneous data, they make assumptions and draw far-reaching conclusions.
Since autumn 2022, one of the results of such processes has been regular news about the shortage of missile weapons and the need to purchase them abroad. A similar situation is observed in other areas where an objective study of issues and the formation of a correct picture are required. The enemy and its patrons are creating problems for themselves, and this is definitely a positive factor.
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