90 rocket launchers underlines strength of Russia-Iran relations

Russia agreed in 2024 to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, according to a report on Friday in the Financial Times, citing documents from a major Russian defence manufacturer, as Moscow confirms its close relations with Tehran.

The launchers are designed to carry Russia’s light multipurpose guided missile, known as the LMUR. The precision weapon – capable of striking moving targets – has been widely used in Ukraine since 2022. They are built for Russia’s Mi-28 attack helicopters, which Iran has already acquired.

While Al Jazeera was not able to confirm whether the order has been delivered, the reported deal illustrates the strengthened military ties between Moscow and Tehran since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The report came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin met Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, at the Kremlin.

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