In the dynamic world of global politics and strategies, the Iran-Russia-China-North Korea Missile Quartet is grabbing attention and raising eyebrows. Particularly, the missile trades between Iran & Russia, that the world can watch. Most notable one is the Fath-360 missiles (Short range) …Why is a powerhouse like Russia seeking firepower from Iran? Why Russia needs Fath-360 Missile? Let’s delve into the details… Russia’s decision to procure Iranian Fath-360 Short Range Missiles is rooted from tactical, logistical & industrial aspects and obviously, the political consolidation of an axis developing between Russia, Iran, China and North Korea.

Together, these four nations manufacture some of the most formidable and lethal missile systems in existence, encompassing both conventional and nuclear arsenals, as well as short-range and intercontinental ballistic missiles. It is probably acting like a missile quartet bank, that has the potential to replenish each other during conflicts, in inflicting planned strikes on their individual targets.

Fath-360 Missile: What is It and Why Russia Needs It

Fath-360 Missile or Fateh-360 Missile is an Iranian Close-range missile, which is known for its precision and ease of rapid deployment on battlefield.

It weighs nearly 800 KG including 150 KG Of warheads, having a range of 300 KM. It flies at a speed of Mach-3 to Mach-4 launched from a truck mounted launcher. It is capable to wreak havoc on short-range targets in a tactical localized battlefield, like command posts, ammunition depots or soldier’s barracks in Ukrainian regions like Pokrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, a perfect answer to bold Ukrainian offensive in Kursk, a Russian territory.

This system is little superior to the HIMARS System being used by Ukraine, which it has received from the US, causing menacing destruction on Russian side, especially on logistical chain of Russian army.

Russia needs it, because it is planning a strong offensive operation into Ukrainian regions in Pokrovsk, Sumy or Kharkiv and also to repel Ukrainian army from Russian territory, i.e. Kursk. The system will be equivalent answer to HIMARS. Additionally, it will help Russia in conserving its long-range missiles.

Earlier, Russia entered a treaty with North Korea, heralded as one of the most strategic pacts between the two nations for military co-operations. Reports indicate that China is also supplying Russia with lethal military components, strengthening its war in Ukraine. A formidable Missile Quartet Bank is developing, poised to function as a war-machine consortium, facilitating mutual supplies during conflicts and enabling the execution of strategically offensive operations.

Replenishing Depleted Stockpiles

The ongoing war in Ukraine has applied extreme pressure on Russia’s military resources. Prolonged war has led to an extensive decline in Russia’s missile stockpiles. In such a situation, replenishing these missile stockpile becomes a critical priority to restore offensive capabilities and sustain the ongoing war. Iranian missiles offer a viable solution to this problem.  And of course, this consolidates the Missile Quartet Bank between the axis of Russia-Iran-China-North Korea.

Upgrade in Tactical Flexibility

The Fath-360 missiles features & range will enable Russia with upgraded tactical flexibility. These missiles are particularly apt for close-range strikes, arming Russia to strike enemy positions and assets with accuracy. By inducting Iranian missiles into its arsenal, Russia can preserve its longer-range missiles for strategic & decisive targets and optimize its overall missile firepower.

Industrial Challenges

The Russian defense industry, despite its capabilities, faces pressing challenges in meeting the manufacturing demands of an ongoing war. The fast rate of consumption of missiles has strained Russia’s industrial capacity. Partnering with Iran for missile supplies helps mitigate these challenges. Iran’s missile production capabilities, augmented over years of development and testing, proves to be a reliable source of destructive missiles for Russia.

This partnership, a component of a missile quartet bank, ensures a steady supply of weapons, allowing Russia to maintain its operational efficacy without challenges.

UK has proposed to supply long range missiles to Ukraine to defend this new Fath-360 Missile challenge, however it is yet to be confirmed by the US. As per reports, Russia’s FSB expelled 6 British diplomats charging them of espionage and sabotage.

Recently, after Pentagon confirmed that Iran has supplied Russia with Fath-360 Missiles along with other military equipment like military drones, the US, UK, Germany & EU have imposed sanctions on Iran. Iran has denied the allegations of supplying Fath-360 Missiles to Russia & accused European nations are acting based on misinformation while denouncing the western countries for imposing new sanctions.