MOSCOW, November 6, 2026 — Russia has agreed to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, according to reports from a major Russian defence manufacturer. The launchers are designed to carry Russia’s light multipurpose guided missile, known as the LMUR, and are intended for use on Iran’s Mi-28 attack helicopters.
Russia-Iran Missile Deal
The deal, which was made under the codename ‘K-10’, illustrates the deepening military ties between Moscow and Tehran. According to the Financial Times, the launchers are for the LMUR, a precision-guided missile that has been widely used by Russian forces in Ukraine. The account indicates that the launchers are for Iran’s Mi-28 attack helicopters, which Iran already possesses. Officials said the deal was made in 2024, with deliveries scheduled between late 2024 and December 2025.
Deepening Military Ties
The reported deal comes as Russia and Iran continue to strengthen their military cooperation. In January 2025, the two countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty covering trade, military cooperation, science, culture, and education. The treaty took effect in October of that year, but unlike Russia’s pact with North Korea, it does not include a mutual defence clause. However, the deal to supply the helicopter-mounted launchers highlights that military ties continue to strengthen. Russia has also supplied Iran with supersonic cruise missiles and shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles, according to a report in the Financial Times.
Regional Security Implications
The war in Iran has brought Russia strategic and economic advantages, according to European intelligence agencies. Russia has benefited from an increase in global energy prices triggered by disruptions to shipping through the strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf. The war has also diverted international attention and western military resources away from Ukraine, further straining Kyiv’s access to crucial US-made Patriot air defence interceptors. Officials said the deal is part of Russia’s efforts to support Iran in the current conflict, despite President Donald Trump’s claims that Russia is doing “very little, if anything” to help Tehran.
Russia’s Strategic Interests
Russia’s decision to supply Iran with advanced missile launchers is seen as a strategic move to strengthen its ties with Tehran. The deal is part of a larger effort by Russia to expand its influence in the region and to counter the influence of the United States and its allies. Russia has denied reports that it is supplying military equipment to Iran for use in the current conflict, but the deal to supply the helicopter-mounted launchers suggests that Moscow is committed to supporting Tehran’s military modernization efforts.
Iran’s Military Modernization
The deal is a significant boost to Iran’s military modernization efforts. Iran has been seeking to upgrade its military capabilities, particularly in the area of air defence, and the supply of advanced missile launchers from Russia is a major step forward in this effort. The launchers will enable Iran to enhance its air defence capabilities and to better counter the threats posed by the United States and its allies in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, the delivery of the launchers is scheduled to be completed by December 2025, according to the production schedule.
Sources
- Russia in talks to supply advanced missiles to Iran
- Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers – FT
- Rocket launcher deal illustrates deepening Russia-Iran relations
- Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 helicopter missile launchers
- Russia secretly supplies Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers – report – i24NEWS
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0)
