Russia is helping Iran develop cruise missiles through a secret program called C430L, which was initiated in 2023. The program involves the recruitment of Russian missile specialists to work with Iran.
The main objective of this program is to equip Iran with weapons capability to target American aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf. The program is classified as secret, which suggests that both nations intend to keep the operation out of public knowledge.
This case represents another example of military cooperation between Russia and Iran, two nations that have been drawing closer in recent years, particularly since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine. The collaboration on this cruise missile program suggests a deepening of defense relations between the two countries.
