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FT Report Says Russia Secretly Helped Iran Develop Supersonic Cruise Missiles

Ramjet propulsion could let Iran sustain supersonic cruise flight that would directly threaten naval defenses.

Overview

  • The Financial Times on Tuesday published an investigation naming a multiyear covert programme called C430L under which Russian missile specialists advised Iran on ramjet technology.
  • Ramjet engines let a missile breathe air and cruise at sustained supersonic speeds, which makes them harder to track and intercept than slower cruise missiles.
  • The reporting says the work targeted anti-ship and land-attack roles that could put U.S. aircraft carriers and other warships at greater risk if the capability is fielded.
  • There is no public, independent confirmation that Russian-assisted supersonic missiles have been delivered or deployed and key technical and quantity details remain unverified.
  • The story has raised regional security concerns and small market shifts in risk pricing, and U.S. and Russian statements and further intelligence checks are expected next.