Iran's Fath-360 missile transfer boosts Russia's ability for precision strikes near Ukrainian front line – British intelligence
Iran's recent transfer of Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles to the Russian Federation will enhance Russia's ability to deliver high-precision strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure near the front line.
The Ministry of Defense of Great Britain reported that on the X social media.
The agency noted that Iran's Fath-360 (also known as BM-120) missile was publicly demonstrated for the first time in 2020.
Photo: West Asia News Agency/Handout
It can transport a 150-kilogram warhead up to a distance of 120 km, with a stated precision of under 30 meters.
The missile can be launched from a range of mobile launchers, with one capable of releasing up to six missiles.
As noted in the intelligence today, Iran's military assistance to the Russian military campaign in Ukraine includes the supply of hundreds of kamikaze drones, artillery ammunition, and extensive support for the production of kamikaze drones inside Russia itself.
"The supply of ballistic missiles further deepens military relations between Iran and Russia. The supply of missiles will complement and enhance Russia's ability to deliver high-precision strikes on Ukrainian military or civilian infrastructure near the front lines while allowing Russia to retain much of its longer-range missile capability for use against targets located deep in Ukraine," the report concludes.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 13 September 2024.
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It is worth noting that Iran is one of the few countries that not only supports Russia but also helps its army. Tehran hands over kamikaze drones and missiles to the Russian occupation forces.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Iran recently delivered a new shipment of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. This occurred amidst heightened Russian attacks on Ukraine.
On September 10, the United States officially confirmed information about the transfer of ballistic missiles by Iran to Russia.
As the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) analysts pointed out, this move is just one aspect of Russia's strategy to strengthen ties with Iran. In return for the missiles supplied, Tehran seeks to obtain Su-35 fighter jets from Moscow.
It should be noted that rumors have been circulating in the mass media about the potential transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. In February of last year, Reuters reported that the Russian Federation had received hundreds of Zolfaghar missiles, which can destroy targets up to 700 kilometers away.
However, Ukrainian intelligence and other official sources did not confirm such rumors then.
According to ISW analysts, it is likely that Russia will use missiles supplied by Iran to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure in the upcoming fall and winter seasons.