One of the most secret projects in the military relations between Russia and Iran has been revealed. According to information obtained by SpecialEurasia, one of Europe’s respected geopolitical analysis organizations, the program codenamed “C430L” involves Russia providing engineering support to Iran on ramjet engine technology that can be used in advanced supersonic cruise missiles. The program started in 2023, and documents showing the parties discussing the new phase extend to June 2026.
SECRET PROJECT C430L
At the heart of the C430L is the engine system called “ramjet”. In simple terms, this technology uses the oxygen taken from the air by a cruise missile. It allows it to maintain its high speed, several times the speed of sound. When high speed and low altitude are combined, the time that defense systems have to detect and shoot the missile is shortened.
CONTACT MADE IN 2023
According to documents Senior engineers from Russian state arms export company Rosoboron and missile manufacturer NPO Mashinostroyenia went to Iran several times in 2023. The contract was signed with the Iranian Ministry of Defense in November 2023. Russian experts then examined the data of Iran’s ramjet flight test and worked on problems such as the fuel system, air intake and engine output. However, there is no evidence yet that Iran has put into service an operational supersonic cruise missile developed with Russian support. According to the information obtained, the missile in question is in the prototype and testing stages.
NEW THREAT TO US SHIPS
It is also stated that one of the most important areas of use of the project in the future may be anti-ship missiles. Fabian Hinz, a missile expert from Conflict Armament Research, describes the cooperation as a highly sensitive military technology that Iran has wanted to obtain for decades. According to former CIA military analyst Jim Lamson, if Iran manages to turn this technology into a real weapon, it could reach a new capacity that could threaten the US Navy’s warships in and around the Persian Gulf.
TRADE IS AT THE LIMIT OF 5 BILLION DOLLARS
In addition to military rapprochement between the two countries, economic relations are also growing rapidly. The trade volume between Russia and Iran reached approximately 4.8 billion dollars in 2024. While the two countries are developing new investments in the fields of agriculture, energy, transportation, oil and natural gas, Russian companies have made agreements worth a total of $ 4 billion for the development of seven oil fields in Iran in 2025. One of the biggest projects of the two countries is the International North-South Transport Corridor, which is planned to connect Russia to the Persian Gulf and India via Iran. In addition, the free trade arrangement between Iran and the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union envisages reducing tariffs on approximately 90 percent of goods. The political framework of Moscow-Tehran relations is the 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in January 2025. The agreement, which covers security, defence, energy, economy and infrastructure, does not include a NATO-like automatic mutual defense clause.
