Russia Finalizes €500 Million Air Defense Deal with Iran Following 2025 Conflict

Russia to Bolster Iranian Air Defenses

The Russian Federation has reportedly concluded a secret €500 million arms deal with Iran, committing to supply advanced shoulder-fired air defense systems. This agreement comes in the wake of a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel in June 2025, which reportedly left Iran's air defense capabilities significantly depleted. The deal, first reported by the Financial Times, was signed in December 2025.

Details of the Defense Package

Under the terms of the agreement, Russia is set to deliver 500 Manpads (man-portable air-defense systems), specifically the 'Verba' (9K333 Verba, NATO reporting name SA-29 Gizmo) launch units, along with 2,500 9M336 missiles. The package also includes 1,500 Mowgli-2 thermal imaging sights, designed to enhance target detection in low-light conditions. Deliveries are scheduled to occur in three stages, spanning from 2027 to 2029, although some reports suggest a smaller number of systems may have been delivered earlier. The 9M336 missiles are priced at €170,000 per unit, and the launch systems at €40,000 each.

Context of the 2025 Iran-Israel Conflict

The decision to acquire these systems follows the Iran-Israel war, which took place from June 13 to June 24, 2025. This conflict reportedly began with Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, to which Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drones. The United States also became involved, targeting critical sites within Iran's nuclear program. A ceasefire, mediated by the United States and Qatar, eventually brought an end to the hostilities. During this period, Iran's air defense infrastructure suffered substantial damage, prompting Tehran to formally request the Verba systems in July 2025.

Deepening Russia-Iran Military Cooperation

This arms deal underscores the deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran, a trend that has accelerated since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Iran has previously supplied Russia with drones and other military equipment for use in the conflict. The agreement was negotiated between Rosoboronexport, Russia's state arms export agency, and a representative of Iran's Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL). Ruhollah Katebi, a Moscow-based MODAFL official, was reportedly instrumental in brokering the contract.