Russia strengthens its partnership with Iran and agrees to deliver missile launchers to Tehran (Financial Times)

Russia allegedly agreed to supply Iran with 90 APU-L launchers for LMUR guided missiles, also known as Izdeliye 305, according to documents reviewed by the Financial Times. The order was reportedly included in a 2024–2025 production program of the Russian company Vympel, while the Iranian client is identified by the code “K-10.”

The documents show that Vympel requested accelerated deliveries of components for the APU-L and APU-305 launchers, warning that delays could affect nine contracts. The program mentions seven Russian clients and two foreign buyers: China, with an order for 192 APU-305 launchers, and “K-10,” with 90 APU-L launchers.

The FT specifies that the documents do not confirm whether the equipment intended for Iran was delivered. The code “K-10” is used by Rosoboronexport for Iran and appears in other Russian contracts, including documents concerning Yak-130 aircraft delivered to Tehran between 2023 and 2024.

The launchers are designed for attack helicopters, including the Mi-28, and can carry LMUR missiles capable of striking moving targets at distances of up to approximately 14 kilometers. The weapon, introduced into service with the Russian army in 2022, has been used extensively in Ukraine.