Iran is close to purchasing supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China. This deal could alter the naval balance in the region and further escalate tensions amid the US’s increased naval presence against Iran.
Iran-China Military Ties Deepen with Proposed Supersonic Missile Sale (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: According to a report, Iran is in the final stages of a deal with China for advanced CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles. These missiles have a range of approximately 290 kilometers and fly at low altitudes and high speeds to defeat naval defense systems. According to missile experts, this deal will significantly enhance Iran's regional naval capabilities.
Danny Citrinovich, a former Israeli intelligence officer and senior researcher at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, said that if Iran possesses supersonic missile capability, it would alter naval strategy throughout the region. These missiles are extremely difficult to intercept, increasing Iran's threat to any regional adversary.
Reuters reported that talks between Iran and China began at least two years ago but accelerated after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran in June. Last summer, senior Iranian officials, including Deputy Defense Minister Masoud Orai, visited China. This visit is the first time the report has revealed this.
The report did not specify how many missiles are included in the deal or its financial terms. However, the deal could pose a challenge to the United States, as the US already has large naval forces deployed near Iran's coast.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry official said, "Iran has military and security agreements with its allies, and now is the right time to implement them.”
If the deal is completed, it will be the most advanced weapons system China will provide to Iran. This move will strengthen military ties between Beijing and Tehran and make it more challenging for the US to stop Iran's missile and nuclear programs. Furthermore, China, Iran, and Russia already conduct annual naval exercises, which could further escalate regional tensions.
