Iran's shipment to Russia raises concerns over new weapons
Supplies of military equipment, likely destined for Russia, are en route to the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Anzali on the Caspian Sea. Alongside the Fath 360 ballistic missiles already deployed by Russia, the shipment also includes a new type of anti-aircraft weapon identified as the Arman system, which was revealed at the beginning of 2024.
The Ukrainian service Defence Express reports on the transport of Iranian weaponry. Ukrainians emphasize that the ultimate destination of the Iranian equipment remains uncertain for now, but the location of the port on the Caspian Sea suggests that Russia could be the recipient of the weapons.
This assumption is further supported by the historical context of Moscow receiving military support from Tehran. Beyond the Shahed family drones, which have been authorized for production in the Russian city of Yelabuga in the Republic of Tatarstan, Iran’s support also includes Fath 360 ballistic missiles.
This list may soon be expanded with new weaponry—the Arman air defence system.
New anti-aircraft system from Iran
This weapon was showcased publicly in 2024, but beyond its unveiling, there is limited information available. Details primarily arise from official Iranian sources, which could serve as tools of Tehran's propaganda or disinformation.
The Arman system's effector employs the Sayyad-3 (Sayyad-3F) missiles, also known from other Iranian air defence systems. Arman is claimed to offer the capability to counter targets at altitudes up to 27 kilometres and distances up to 120 kilometres. In addition to drones, cruise missiles, or airplanes, it is also reportedly capable—according to Iran—of intercepting ballistic missiles.
Arman air defence system
The system is purported to have the ability to simultaneously track up to 24 targets and guide missiles to six of them at the same time. Iran has reportedly developed two variants of the Arman system, differentiated by the type of radar utilized.
Ukrainians also note that—since Arman is a new weapon, its transport to Russia does not necessarily mean it will be used immediately in combat. According to Defence Express, an alternative scenario might involve testing and further development of the new weapon at the Russian Kapustin Yar range in the Astrakhan region.
