The Iranian Fath-360 is comparable to the US HIMARS Artillery Rocket System.
New Delhi: In the past few years, Iran has become the focal point in West Asia and has emerged as one of the major players not only in the region but at a global level too. Despite being under heavy sanctions, it has developed some of the most remarkable weapon systems including ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, and air defence systems.
In fact, it has been reported that Russia has caused a lot of destruction in Ukraine with the drones it has received from Iran.
MilitaryNewsUA on January 2, 2025, reported on X that Iranian sources have indicated a convoy of vehicles spotted at the port of Bandar-e Anzali, at the Caspian Sea, believed to be transporting advanced missile systems and air defense units to Russia.
According to these sources, the shipments are reported to include Fath-360 and Arman air defense systems, both of which could significantly enhance Russian military capabilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development comes at a time of heightened tensions and underscores the growing military cooperation between the two nations amid the war.
The Fath-360, a short-range ballistic missile developed by Iran, has garnered significant attention due to its potential use in combat against both land and maritime targets. As part of Iran’s expanding arsenal of precision-guided munitions, the Fath-360 is comparable to the U.S. HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) terms of role and versatility. With a reported range of 120 kilometers and a speed of up Mach 4, the Fath-360 is equipped with a 150 kg warhead, making it highly effective for targeting large, soft assets such as command centers, radar installations, or enemy armor.
The Fath-360 missile is part of a broader strategy by Iran to supply Russia with long-range missiles, including Fateh-110 derivatives. This provision could significantly enhance Russia’s missile capabilities, especially as it faces mounting resistance in Ukraine and a shortage of precision-guided munitions. Analysts speculate that these missiles may be used against strategic targets in Ukraine, where the Russian military has been increasingly reliant on precision weapons.
In addition to the Fath-360, Iranian sources also reported the transfer of the Arman air defense system. This fully mobile system was previously as the Tactical Sayyad air defense system. It was first observed during a military parade in Iran in April 2022 and was later showcased at Russia’s ARMY-2023 Expo in Moscow under its export designation. The Arman system is equipped with radar capable of detecting up to 24 targets within a range of 180 to 200 kilometers. It can intercept targets at a range of 160 kilometers and engage them at a range of 120 kilometers, with a maximum engagement altitude of 27 kilometers.
The Arman air defense missile system is engineered to counter both aerial threats and missile strikes, making it a formidable asset for any military force. Notably, the Arman system can simultaneously engage up to six targets, enhancing its effectiveness in high-threat environments. The air defense system employs a triple missile launcher and is reportedly equipped with the Sayyad-3F missile, a vertically launched variant of the Sayyad-3 missile. These missiles measure 6.1 meters length, 40 centimeters in diameter, and weigh approximately 1,000 kilograms. With a range of 120 kilometers and a maximum engagement altitude of 27 kilometers, the Sayyad-3F missiles are capable of neutralizing a wide array of aerial threats, including fighter jets and cruise missiles.