Kathrine Frich
Ties between Moscow and Tehran have deepened steadily in recent years, driven by shared strategic interests and mounting tensions with the West.
Military cooperation has become an increasingly visible pillar of that relationship.
As geopolitical pressures grow, both countries appear intent on expanding their defense partnership.
A newly disclosed agreement shows just how far that cooperation now extends.
Major air defense deal
Iran has signed a $589 million contract with Russia to purchase Verba air defense systems, according to the defense outlet Militarnyi. The deal covers the delivery of 500 launchers and 2,500 9M336 missiles.
Shipments are scheduled to take place in three stages between 2027 and 2029. The agreement was concluded between Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and the Moscow office of Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.
The contract marks one of the most significant recent defense transactions between the two countries.
What is verba
The Verba system entered service in 2014 and is designed to target low-flying threats, including aircraft, helicopters, missiles and drones.
Equipped with an advanced infrared seeker, the system can detect and track targets while countering decoys and electronic interference. This capability is intended to reduce susceptibility to jamming and improve accuracy.
The missile has a reported range of 6 to 6.5 kilometers and can engage targets at altitudes of roughly 4 to 4.5 kilometers. Traveling at around 600 meters per second, it carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead fitted with both contact and proximity fuses.
Expanding cooperation
Iran has long relied on Soviet- and Russian-made air defense equipment, including S-300PMU2 systems and Tor launchers. The addition of the Verba launchers is expected to further strengthen its short-range defenses.
Defense cooperation may extend beyond air defense systems. Reports indicate that Iran ordered Russian Mi-28NE attack helicopters in 2023, and footage circulating online has shown what appears to be an Mi-28 flying over Tehran.
The latest contract underscores the continuing expansion of military ties between Moscow and Tehran at a time of heightened regional instability.
Sources: Militarnyi, WP.
