Iran’s Ballistic Missile Supply to Russia: A New Threat in the Ukraine Conflict

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has revealed that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. This alarming development, which Blinken described as a "threat to all of Europe," underscores the far-reaching implications of Iran’s military partnerships and the potential for increased violence in the region.

The Context of the Missile Supply

During a recent visit to the United Kingdom, Blinken addressed the media, stating that the Kremlin is likely to deploy these Iranian-made missiles in Ukraine within weeks. He emphasized that this partnership between Iran and Russia is not merely a regional concern but poses a broader threat to European security. The U.S. Secretary of State highlighted that dozens of Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to operate the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which boasts a maximum range of 75 miles.

The Fath-360 Missile: Specifications and Capabilities

The Fath-360 missile, also known as the BM-120, was first unveiled during Iran’s Army Day in April 2022, following its initial presentation at a military exhibition in 2020. This missile is designed to be compact and lightweight, allowing for multiple units to be mounted on truck-based launchers.

Key specifications of the Fath-360 include:

• Range: 19 to 75 miles
• Warhead Capacity: 150 kg (approximately 330 lbs)
• Speed: Capable of reaching Mach 3 (2,300 mph) upon launch, and Mach 4 (3,069 mph) when targeting.
• Guidance System: The missile connects to satellites post-launch, utilizing the Russian GLONASS satellite navigation system, which serves as an alternative to GPS.

These features make the Fath-360 a formidable addition to Russia’s arsenal, allowing for strikes at greater distances while preserving its own missile stockpile for more distant targets.

International Reactions and Implications

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed Blinken’s concerns, labeling the missile supply as a "significant escalation." He confirmed that the UK is actively coordinating with allies to address this new threat. However, when pressed about the potential use of Storm Shadow long-range missiles by Ukraine to strike targets within Russia, Lammy refrained from commenting on operational matters.

The U.S. is expected to announce further sanctions against Iran, including measures targeting Iran Air. Blinken indicated that other nations would likely follow suit with their own sanctions. Yet, Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, argue that sanctions alone are insufficient. They are calling for permission to utilize Western weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory, emphasizing the need for longer-range missiles and enhanced air defense systems.

The Broader Geopolitical Landscape

The relationship between Russia and Iran is increasingly characterized as a "two-way street," with both nations benefiting from shared military technology and intelligence. Blinken noted that as Iran’s destabilizing activities expand, so too does Russia’s influence, creating greater insecurity not just in their respective regions but globally.

In a show of solidarity, Blinken and Lammy announced plans to travel together to Kyiv, marking the first joint visit of this nature in over a decade. This visit underscores the commitment of the U.S. and the UK to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict and to counteract the growing military cooperation between Russia and Iran.

Conclusion

The supply of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia represents a significant shift in the dynamics of the Ukraine conflict, with potential ramifications for European security. As both nations deepen their military collaboration, the international community must remain vigilant and responsive to the evolving threat landscape. The call for enhanced military support for Ukraine, including the provision of long-range weaponry, highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response to counteract the destabilizing influence of Iran and Russia in the region.