On September 6, 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles, including the Fath-360, to Russia. This news follows earlier reports in August from two European intelligence sources that indicated Russian military personnel were being trained in Iran on the Fath-360 system.
Key Points:
- Missile Delivery: The delivery of Fath-360 and Ababil missiles was reportedly confirmed by a contract signed on December 13, 2024, between Russian defense representatives and Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).
- Fath-360 Specifications: The Fath-360 is a short-range missile with a range of 120 km, a 150 kg warhead, and speeds of Mach 3 to 4. It uses inertial and satellite guidance to achieve an accuracy of 30 meters.
Concerns and Reactions
This development has raised significant concerns among Western nations, including the United States. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has noted potential plans for these missiles to be used against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Western Media Reports:
- Previous Reports: Similar reports surfaced in late 2022, with Bloomberg and Reuters reporting on the imminent sale of Fath-360 missiles to Russia. However, these reports were met with skepticism.
- Iranian Denials: Iran has strongly denied these allegations, stating that providing military assistance to conflict parties is inhumane and calling for an end to arms supplies in the conflict.
Comparison with Other Missiles:
- Accuracy and Power: The Fath-360 is less accurate compared to the HIMARS system but has a credible threat level due to its speed and range. It is analogous to the Russian Tornado-S guided missiles and more powerful than American GMLRS missiles.
- Launcher System: The Fath-360 utilizes a truck-mounted Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) capable of rapid relocation and varied missile load-outs.
Potential Impact:
- Military Strategy: If true, the Fath-360’s longer range and mobility could complicate NATO and Ukrainian defense efforts, with the potential to evade detection and counterattacks more effectively than existing Russian MLRS systems.
Integration and Operational Considerations
For effective use, the Fath-360 missiles would need to be integrated into Russia’s battlefield management system. This involves:
- System Integration: Equipping Iranian missile systems with Russian electronic hardware and SATNAV receivers.
- Testing and Training: Extensive testing, production, and training would be required, potentially taking up to two years.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the range of the Fath-360 missile?
- A) 150 km
- B) 120 km
- C) 200 km
- D) 100 km
- Which organization is responsible for manufacturing the Fath-360 missiles?
- A) Iranian Space Agency
- B) Iranian Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO)
- C) Russian Defense Ministry
- D) United Nations
- What is the accuracy of the Fath-360 missile?
- A) 10 meters
- B) 50 meters
- C) 30 meters
- D) 100 meters
- What is the primary concern regarding the deployment of the Fath-360 missiles?
- A) Their high cost
- B) Their short range
- C) Their potential use against Ukrainian infrastructure
- D) Their lack of mobility
- How long could it take for Russia to fully integrate the Fath-360 missiles into their system?
- A) 6 months
- B) 1 year
- C) 2 years
- D) 5 years