Russia Agreed to Supply Iran With 90 Helicopter-Mounted Missile Launchers, but Delivery Remains Unconfirmed, Financial Times Reports

Russia agreed to supply Iran with 90 helicopter-mounted launchers for precision-guided missiles used in the war in Ukraine, according to previously undisclosed Russian defense industry documents obtained by the Financial Times.

The documents include a production schedule for 2024–2025 attached to a May 2024 letter from Russian missile manufacturer Vympel. It identifies an order for 90 APU-L launchers from a buyer designated “K-10,” a code used by Russia’s state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, to identify Iran.

The same production schedule lists an order from China for 192 APU-305 launchers. The documents do not establish whether the 90 launchers intended for Iran were ultimately delivered.

The APU-L systems are designed for Mi-28 attack helicopters and can carry two LMUR guided missiles, also known as Izdeliye 305, which can strike moving targets. Russian forces have used the missiles extensively in Ukraine.

The Financial Times reported that Western intelligence officials believe Russia and Iran strengthened military cooperation during this year’s war, despite President Donald Trump’s assertions that Moscow was providing Tehran with little assistance.

The findings add to reports of Russian military support for Iran, including intelligence sharing and weapons technology, as Moscow balances its relationship with Tehran against its ties with Washington.