FT: Iran signs €500 million secret missile deal with Russia to rebuild air defenses

2026-02-22 - 20:42

Iran signed a secret missile agreement worth approximately €500 million ($589 million) with Russia in December 2025 to rebuild its air defense system, the Financial Times reported Sunday, citing information obtained by the newspaper. The deal was signed in Moscow as Tehran seeks to bolster its defense capacity following major strikes. Agreement Details Under the accord, Russia is expected to deliver 500 Verba portable launch units and 2,500 9M336-type missiles to Iran within three years, with deliveries planned in three separate phases between 2027 and 2029. Some sources indicated certain systems may have been delivered earlier than the scheduled timeline. The Verba is one of Russia's most modern air defense systems, effective against cruise missiles and low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles. Strategic Context Following attacks carried out by Israel and the US against Iran in June 2025 and the subsequent 12-day war, Tehran formally requested these defense systems from Russia in July 2025 to protect its strategic facilities. The secret agreement emerges amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, with President Donald Trump warning of military action within 10-15 days if talks fail.