Russia to Deliver 90 Guided Missile Launchers to Iran, Deepening Military Collaboration

Weapon Supplies to Iran

According to ХВИЛЯ: Russia has agreed to supply Iran with 90 APU-L launchers for guided missiles, the same type currently deployed in Ukraine. This order is included in the production schedule of a Russian defense manufacturer for 2024-2025. The schedule was disclosed by Dallas Analytics, a Ukrainian private intelligence firm. In May 2024, Russia’s Vympel Design Bureau sent a letter urging the acceleration of component deliveries for both APU-L and APU-305 launchers, which are primarily mounted on helicopters.

Orders and Military Cooperation

The production plan lists seven Russian clients and two foreign buyers: China, which has ordered 192 APU-305 launchers, and Iran-coded as 'K-10'-with an order for 90 APU-L launchers. The state arms exporter Rosoboronexport uses the 'K-10' code to identify Iran. In contracts for Yak-130 aircraft, Iran is also referenced as 'K-10.' In 2023, a Rostec subsidiary planned to deliver six Yak-130 planes to Iran: two in the first half and four in the second. Iran received two Yak-130s in 2023, with all six expected to be delivered by the end of 2024, according to SIPRI data.

So far, deliveries of the APU-L launchers to Iran have not been confirmed. However, Russia has already supported Iran in developing supersonic cruise missiles, supplied Verba MANPADS, and engaged in nuclear weapons-related discussions with Tehran. The LMUR missile (product 305) was first unveiled at the Army-2021 exhibition, entered service in 2022, and is actively used in Ukraine. It travels at approximately 230 meters per second, covering 14 kilometers in about a minute. The APU-L launchers are designed for Mi-28 attack helicopters and can carry two missiles each, whereas the APU-305 launchers carry a single missile.

Iran also operates Mi-28 helicopters. In November 2023, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Mehdi Farahi announced finalization of agreements for their acquisition. By January 2026, OSINT researchers confirmed photos of Mi-28s housed in a Tehran hangar. Russia aims to maintain balanced relations with other Middle Eastern countries and the United States while strengthening ties with Iran. Throughout 2024, Moscow and Tehran have intensified their military partnership in the region.

This development demonstrates Russia's continued commitment to arming Iran, despite its own military demands and with a significantly reduced regard for Western objections compared to previous years.

While Russia’s support has practical operational benefits for Iran, it has not yet shifted the balance of any ongoing conflicts. Considering these dynamics, the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran is poised to influence regional security and strategic calculations across the Middle East.