Russia-Ukraine War: In the shadow of reports that Iran is arming the Russian army in Ukraine, an American research institute and the think tank “Jamestown Foundation” examined how the supply of ballistic missiles would change the picture of the war situation. This, after it was reported that Moscow is interested in purchasing Iranian missiles of the “Fateh-110” and “Zulfiqar” type.
The head of the field for security affairs and foreign policy at the research institute, noted that “both systems are available, and Iran may provide them soon.” In return, Iran may receive important military technology from Russia, such as Sukhoi 35 fighter jets. The cost of the Iranian missiles is much lower compared to the Russian missiles. As for the impact of the missiles on the war in Ukraine, it was reported that “Iran’s ballistic missile program is definitely deterring”.
According to the institute, history shows that the ballistic missiles produced by Tehran were not only intended to instill fear in the Gulf countries and Israel, “but to be used as a means in conflict zones around the world.” Therefore, “the Iranian ballistic missiles can be expected to be used on the Ukrainian battlefield soon.”
The Hatch-110 missiles have a range of up to 700 km, operate on solid fuel and have a shorter launch time than many other systems. In this way, Moscow can carry out attacks in a shorter time frame, which may affect the Ukrainian ability to defend against the attacks.
At the same time, the think tank cited intelligence information, according to which Tehran’s military aid packages to Moscow do not include the Fatah-110 missiles, but exist only on draft pages. This is because Iran is still subject to the restrictions imposed on it following UN Security Council Resolution 2231. According to reports, the restriction will be lifted in October 2023, when the UN resolution expires.