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Ειδήσεις 23 February 2026 23 February 2026 Hits: 8

Iran, Russia reach multi-million agreement for portable air defense system: Report

Ειδήσεις 23 February 2026 23 February 2026 Hits: 8

The cradle News Desk FEB 23, 2026

The secret deal was reached last year and has come to light as Washington is threatening to attack the Islamic Republic. The deal was signed in Russia’s capital last year and will see Moscow send 500 man-portable “Verba” launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles, the report revealed, citing Russian documents. It was reached between the Moscow representative of Iran’s Defense Ministry and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), and Russian weapons exporter Rosoboronexport.

The agreement is worth $589 million. Tehran made the request for these missiles in July 2025, the report adds. Deliveries are planned in three tranches from 2027 to 2029, according to FT. These shoulder-fired missiles are among Russia’s top man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). They are designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles. The report comes as the US is threatening to attack Iran. The region is facing the largest US air power buildup since the invasion of Iraq. Tehran is warning that US assets and bases all across the region will be struck if Iran is attacked. Iranian officials have also said a US attack will prompt strikes on Israel. During the 12-day war with Israel last June, Iran relied on its local air defense systems, which were subjected to Mossad-backed internal sabotage and drone attacks launched from within the country. Hebrew media reported in August last year that Tel Aviv is concerned about a surge in military cooperation between the Islamic Republic and China, specifically in the missile field. The month before, Middle East Eye (MEE) said Iran has been beefing up its air defenses with help from Beijing. “All bases, facilities, and assets of the hostile force in the region would constitute legitimate targets in the context of Iran's defensive response,” Iran’s UN mission said last week. Hundreds of US troops have reportedly been evacuated from military bases in Bahrain and Qatar.