Russia Agrees to Supply Iran With Missile Launchers
Production documents list an export order for 90 launchers under the buyer code K-10, though delivery to Iran is not confirmed.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in International Relations
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Russia has agreed to supply Iran with 90 missile launchers, according to production schedules from one of Russia's leading defense enterprises obtained by journalists. The launchers, APU-L and APU-305 units mounted on helicopters, are designed to fire the LMUR light multi-purpose guided missile.
Why it matters
The arrangement deepens military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran during a period of regional conflict. Russia is also reported to plan similar exports to China, extending the reach of its arms sales beyond its traditional partners.
Production schedules for 2024 and 2025 list an export order of 90 launchers under buyer code K-10, which the documentation identifies as Iran. The documents do not establish whether any of the launchers have been delivered.
The players
Russia
Russia is a major arms exporter whose defense enterprises supply missile systems to several countries, including Iran and reportedly China.
Iran
Iran is a Middle Eastern country that has sought Russian military hardware, including attack helicopters and missile technology, and is identified as buyer K-10 in the documents.
The details
The launchers are APU-L and APU-305 units designed to be mounted on helicopters and fire the LMUR light multi-purpose guided missile, also called Izdeliye 305. Iran already operates Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters that could carry such launchers, and Russia has previously helped Iran develop supersonic cruise missiles and sold it anti-aircraft missiles.
Timeline
2024: Production schedule lists the export order for the launchers.
2025: Production schedule again lists the export order for the launchers.
This year: Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran grew closer during a Middle East war.
Big Picture
The launcher order extends Russia's earlier transfers to Iran of supersonic cruise missile assistance and anti-aircraft missiles. It also fits a pattern in which Moscow is reportedly planning similar launcher exports to China.
The report does not confirm delivery, so the practical effect on Iran's military capabilities remains unclear. Readers should treat the figures as based on production documents rather than verified shipment records.
The takeaway
Arms export documents can reveal intended transfers before any shipment is confirmed, so the gap between a production order and a delivered weapon is worth watching. The story shows how defense ties between Russia, Iran and China may be expanding in parallel.
Further reading
For broader context on how arms transfers shape alliances between states, explore International Relations.
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