Iran quietly signed a major missile procurement agreement with Russia late last year, securing advanced air defense systems in a deal reportedly worth nearly $590 million, according to a new report by the Financial Times.
The agreement, reached in Moscow in December 2025, is said to focus on rebuilding Iran’s air defense capabilities following direct military strikes by Israel and the United States in mid-2025, which exposed vulnerabilities in Tehran’s ability to protect strategic infrastructure.
Details of the Missile Agreement
According to sources cited in the report, Russia agreed to supply Iran with:
500 Verba portable air defense launchers
2,500 9M336 missiles
The systems are scheduled for delivery in three phases between 2027 and 2029, though some sources suggest that certain components may already have been delivered ahead of schedule.
The Verba system is considered one of Russia’s most advanced man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). It is designed to intercept low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles, making it particularly relevant in modern conflicts dominated by drone warfare.
Triggered by the 2025 Conflict
The reported deal follows a 12-day conflict in June 2025, during which Israeli and U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian targets. In the aftermath, Iranian officials reportedly made a formal request to Moscow in July 2025 for upgraded air defense systems to prevent future attacks and protect critical military and industrial facilities.
The timing underscores how recent military confrontations have accelerated Iran’s push to modernize its defensive capabilities amid mounting regional tensions.
Deepening Russia–Iran Military Ties
The missile agreement reflects a broader deepening military and strategic relationship between Moscow and Tehran, particularly as both countries face continued pressure and sanctions from Western governments.
Russia and Iran have expanded cooperation in recent years across multiple domains, including arms transfers, intelligence sharing, energy coordination, and regional security planning. Analysts view the air defense deal as part of a longer-term effort by both nations to counter U.S. and allied military dominance in the Middle East.
Regional and Global Implications
If fully implemented, the deal could significantly enhance Iran’s ability to deter or complicate future air operations against its territory. The deployment of advanced MANPADS also raises concerns among Western and regional security officials about force protection risks for aircraft operating near Iranian airspace.
While neither Moscow nor Tehran has publicly confirmed the agreement, the reported scale and specificity of the deal suggest a substantial and deliberate effort to reshape Iran’s defensive posture in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.
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