Iran sold $3 billion worth of missiles to Russia for aggression against Ukraine
According to information published by Bloomberg, Iran has provided Russia with ballistic and anti-aircraft missiles, crucial for the campaigns in Ukraine, since the beginning of October 2021. The total value of the deals exceeds $2.7 billion. It is noted that the volume of Iranian arms supplies has continued to grow since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, indicating close cooperation between the two countries
In addition to the short-range Fath-360 ballistic missiles, the deal also includes large quantities of other types of missiles and about 200 air defence systems. This reinforces Iran's role as an important arms supplier for Russia's military build-up.
The friendship between Iran and Russia emerged against the backdrop of a difficult international situation, especially after Russia's military actions in Ukraine, which led to significant sanctions from the West. According to experts, military cooperation is also deepening through the supply of ammunition and artillery shells
In turn, Iran is investing in technology, giving Russia the ability to produce Shahed-136 attack drones under the new name Geranium-2. This is part of a $1.75bn deal signed earlier this year. In total, since the end of 2021, Russia has spent more than $4 billion on the purchase of Iranian weapons, which indicates an exemplary level of cooperation between the two countries
Cooperation between Iran and Russia has been going on for more than a decade, which arose due to Western pressure and sanctions caused by Iran's nuclear programme. In January 2025, an agreement on strategic partnership was signed, but without practical aspects of mutual defence.
Although Russia has not provided significant military support to Iran during external threats, the two countries have been cooperating to develop trade routes and expand financial ties to counter sanctions
The Russian and Iranian Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs have not yet provided any comment on these events.
Photo illustrative of DW
Iran, Russia, drones, missiles, shahed, sanctions
