Iran was allegedly in the process of transferring hundreds of Fath-360 ballistic missiles to Russia, according to 2023 reports. In terms of capability, these missiles are being compared to the American HIMARS system, which has a range of up to 120 kilometers. This information was published by Western media agencies, citing European intelligence sources.
The Fath-360 is a surface-to-surface missile with a 75-120 km range and a 150 kg warhead. Depending on the modification, its overall weight varies between 850 and 1,100 kg. The system’s launcher can be disguised as a civilian vehicle, potentially complicating detection efforts.
According to the reports, Russian military personnel were in Iran, where they were receiving training on the operation of these short-range tactical missile systems. Moscow and Tehran allegedly reached an agreement on the supply of these systems, as well as other ballistic systems, as early as December 13, 2023.
Nevertheless, the situation remains uncertain, as a high-ranking Iranian official, who is speaking anonymously, has claimed that Iran has supplied Russia with drones and missiles, but the Fath-360 systems have not been transferred. The official also observed that there are no legal restrictions on the provision of such armaments to the Russian military.
Already Transferred?
However, recent reports suggest that Russia received its first batch of Iranian 300-mm Fath-360 tactical missile systems on August 11, delivered via a Pouya Air Il-76TD aircraft. Given Russia’s robust missile production capabilities, this development has raised eyebrows among military experts.
Russia’s domestic missile production, particularly at the Tula “Splav” Scientific Production Association, has significantly increased in recent years. The facility has increased production of 300-mm 9M544 and 9M549 guided rockets for the 9K515 “Tornado-S” MLRS by 7 to 10 times. Similarly, the output of 9M723-1 quasi-ballistic missiles for the “Iskander-M” systems has also seen a substantial boost. These Russian-made missiles boast impressive ranges, with the Tornado-S rockets reaching up to 120 km (or 250 km in a two-stage version) and the Iskander-M missiles capable of striking targets 300 to 400 km away.
Given these capabilities, the acquisition of the shorter-range Iranian missiles might seem puzzling at first glance. However, the intense use of Russian systems in the ongoing conflict has strained ammunition reserves. The Fath-360 missiles could serve as a stopgap measure, allowing Russia to conserve its more advanced missiles for potential future conflicts while maintaining pressure on Ukrainian targets.
The Iranian missiles may prove particularly useful in saturating air defense systems with multiple incoming threats. Against limited air defense assets, a large volley of Fath-360 missiles could potentially overwhelm target acquisition and engagement capabilities, posing a significant threat to the enemy’s defense strategy.
Iranian vs Russian Missiles
However, the Fath-360 systems have notable limitations compared to their Russian counterparts. They lack the advanced maneuvering capabilities and stealth features of missiles like the 9M723-1. The Iranian missiles are estimated to have a radar cross-section of 0.3 square meters, compared to the Russian systems’ 0.02-0.03 square meters. Additionally, the Fath-360’s circular error probable (CEP) is believed to be in the 20-50 meter range, while Russian systems boast a CEP of around 10 meters. These limitations could potentially expose the Fath-360 systems to higher risks in certain operational contexts.
These technical differences become particularly significant when considering potential engagements against more robust air defense networks. Modern systems like the Patriot PAC-3MSE, SAMP-T, and Land Ceptor are equipped with advanced interceptors capable of engaging even maneuvering targets with high efficiency.
The acquisition of Iranian missiles may allow Russia to preserve its more capable systems for scenarios where their advanced features are critical. Russia could potentially stockpile tens of thousands of domestically produced missiles by using the Fath-360 and similar systems in the current conflict. This strategy could be aimed at preparation for a potential wider conflict involving NATO forces, where the technical advantages of Russian systems would be more decisive.
There are claims that Russia has also deployed North Korean KN-23 missiles. According to US intelligence, Russia has employed these missiles in its conflict with Ukraine. The KN-23 is an exceptionally agile and adaptable missile that can be deployed from a range of platforms, such as trucks and railcars. It has an estimated maximum range of around 550 miles (900 kilometers) and is capable of transporting cargo weighing up to 660 pounds (300 kilograms).
Introducing Iranian and North Korean missiles into the Russian arsenal appears to be a tactical move aimed at resource management and operational flexibility rather than a reflection of superior technology. It underscores the complex calculations involved in modern warfare, where quantity and conservation of advanced assets can sometimes take precedence over pure technological superiority in specific operational contexts.