Iran Reaches Secret €500 Million Deal With Russia to Acquire Verba Portable Missiles and Strengthen Its Air Defense Against Drones and Fighters

Written by Felipe Alves da Silva

Published on 24/02/2026 at 09:27

Updated on 24/02/2026 at 09:29

Sistema portátil de defesa aérea Verba reforça a estratégia de proteção de baixa altitude do Irã.

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Secret Negotiation Anticipates Staggered Delivery of MANPADS Systems Over Three Years and Reinforces Military Cooperation Between Tehran and Moscow Amid Escalating Tensions with the West

Iran is believed to have signed a secret military agreement valued at around €500 million, equivalent to US$ 589 million, with Russia for the acquisition of state-of-the-art portable air defense systems. The negotiation was revealed in a report by the Financial Times, based on sources familiar with the process and documents associated with the contract.

According to the disclosed content, the understanding was concluded in December, involving the Russian state agency Rosoboronexport, a representative of the Russian Ministry of Defense, and the logistics agency of the Iranian Armed Forces. Although neither party has officially confirmed the agreement, the details presented indicate one of the largest recent transfers of MANPADS systems to Tehran.

Provision of 500 Launchers and 2,500 Missiles Over Three Years

According to the documents cited in the report, the contract provides for the supply of 500 portable Verba launchers and 2,500 9M336 missiles, with deliveries scheduled to occur in three distinct phases, between 2027 and 2029. This staggered structure suggests a medium-term planning approach for the restoration of Iran’s defensive capabilities.

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Layered Air Defense and Regional Strategic Impact

Analysts cited by the Financial Times assess that the acquisition is part of a broader effort by Iran to reconstruct and diversify its air defense, following damage suffered in recent encounters. In this context, MANPADS provide a significant advantage as mobile systems, operated by small teams, which reduces reliance on fixed radars, considered priority targets in precision attacks.

Additionally, the dispersal capability of these systems allows for the creation of decentralized defensive layers, increasing the risk for low-altitude air operations. This includes not only manned aircraft but also the growing use of armed and reconnaissance drones, increasingly present in modern conflicts.

Despite these tactical advantages, experts emphasize that Verba missiles are unlikely to significantly alter the regional military balance. Nevertheless, the increase in portable air defense density could significantly raise operational costs for adversary forces, especially in close air support missions.

The agreement also highlights the deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran, two countries that have expanded their collaboration in the defense sector in recent years. This partnership includes transfers of drones, military technologies, and other weapon systems, in a context of growing tensions with the West.

Contacted by the press, the Kremlin, Rosoboronexport, and officials from Iran did not officially comment on the details of the agreement, maintaining secrecy regarding the negotiation.

Information from: Forças Terrestres

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Iran Reaches Secret €500 Million Deal With Russia to Acquire Verba Portable Missiles and Strengthen Its Air Defense Against Drones and Fighters

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Iran Reaches Secret €500 Million Deal With Russia to Acquire Verba Portable Missiles and Strengthen Its Air Defense Against Drones and Fighters

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