Khamenei's regime obtained new Russian missiles in order to rebuild its defense systems after they were destroyed in 2025
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Iran signed a secret agreement in December 2025 with Russiafor the purchase of missile systems worth approximately 500 million euros (about 590 million dollars), with the aim of rebuilding its air defense network after the attacks suffered last year, according to the outlet Financial Times.
The pact was concluded in Moscow and provides for the delivery of 500 Verba man-portable launchers and 2,500 9M336 missiles over a three-year period. According to the information published, the operation was negotiated by the Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport and representatives of the Iranian Defense Ministry. So far, neither Tehran nor Moscow have issued official confirmation regarding the details of the contract.
The 9K333 Verba system is one of Russia's most advanced man-portable air defense missiles. Designed to be operated by small mobile units, it can intercept cruise missiles, low-altitude aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Sistema de misiles de defensa 9K333 Verba
According to the report, the agreement also includes 500 "Mowgli-2" night-vision devices, intended to improve the capability to detect and track targets in low-visibility conditions.
Deliveries would begin in 2027 and would be completed in three phases through 2029, in order to align with Iranian operational readiness. However, sources cited in the report indicated that part of the material might have been shipped ahead of the scheduled timeline.
In recent days, flights by Ilyushin Il-76 cargo aircraft between Russia and Iran are reported to have been detected, which fuels speculation about possible early deliveries.
El acuerdo entre los regímenes de Putin y Jamenei coordinó las entregas para que estas comiencen en 2027
The formal request for these systems is reported to have been submitted by Tehran in July 2025, after a 12-day regional conflict in which Iranian nuclear facilities were attacked by Israel and the United States. Since then, Iranian authorities have sought to strengthen their defensive capability in order to protect strategic infrastructure against potential new offensives.
The agreement represents a considerable investment for Iran, in a context of persistent international sanctions and domestic economic difficulties. According to the report, each missile would have an estimated cost of 170,000 euros, while each launcher would be around 40,000 euros, which raises the total value of the package to approximately 500 million euros.
Analysts point out that the acquisition of advanced man-portable systems could significantly strengthen Iranian air coverage, especially against low-altitude threats and drone attacks. By not depending on fixed radar installations, these systems can be deployed with greater flexibility and can be less vulnerable to initial bombardments.
For the moment, Russian and Iranian authorities haven't offered additional statements regarding the technical specifications, the implementation mechanisms, or the current status of the deliveries, while the agreement adds a new element of concern to the regional security dynamic.
En 2025, Estados Unidos e Irán bombardearon instalaciones militares iraníes
